What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body's meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi through the individual. The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods, including moxibustion, cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage, in order to re-establish the flow of qi.

What is qi & how does it affect the body?

When healthy, an abundant supply of qi (pronounced chee) or "life energy" flows through the body's meridians (a network of invisible channels through the body). If the flow of qi in the meridians becomes blocked or there is an inadequate supply of qi, then the body fails to maintain harmony, balance and order, and disease or illness follows. This can result from stress, overwork, poor diet, disease pathogens, weather and environmental conditions, and other lifestyle factors and becomes evident to TCM practitioners through observable signs of bodily dysfunction. TCM practitioners look carefully for these signs of health and dysfunction, paying particular attention not only to the presenting signs and symptoms, but also to the medical history, general constitution, and the pulse and tongue.

What is meridian channel?

The channels, or meridians, are the main pathways through the body where Qi flows. Each of the 12 main channels is linked to a particular organ. They are the main pathway for body energy/Qi circulation and connect the internal organs with the Qi at the body surface. There are two channels for each organ, one on each side of the body in a mirror image, or bilateral, arrangement. The channels/meridians are the main branches, and they run longitudinally and internally within the body. The collaterals are the secondary branches and run transversely and superficially from the channels. The best way to visualise this is to use blood vessels as an example. The veins and arteries are the main branches, and the capillaries are the secondary branches.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is part of an integrated system of primary health care, known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has an uninterrupted history of development dating back thousands of years in China and other parts of East Asia.

What kind of illness can acupuncture treat?

Neurological conditions such as headaches, migraines, difficulty sleeping, nervous tension, stroke, some forms of deafness, facial and inter-costal neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, some forms of paralysis, sequelae of poliomyelitis, peripheral neuropathy, noises in the ears, dizziness, and Meniere's disease. •Cardiovascular disorders such as high or low blood pressure, fluid retention, chest pain, angina pectoris, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, and muscle cramps. •Respiratory conditions such as bronchial asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, chronic cough, laryngitis, sore throat, influenza and the common cold.

What conditions does Chinese herbal medicine treat?

In addition to providing effective treatment for a wide range of health disorders, Chinese herbal medicine may also be used to assist with general health maintenance and disease prevention. By strengthening and enhancing normal body functions, the immune system is boosted and a general sense of well-being promoted. A snapshot of conditions typically treated with Chinese herbal medicine includes: •Insomnia and fatigue •Loss of appetite and common digestive disorders •Constipation and diarrhoea •Irritable bowel syndrome •Common cold and influenza •Chronic headaches •Skin disorders •Fluid retention •Anxiety, depression and stress •Allergies •Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis •Premenstrual syndrome and painful menstruation •Excessive menstruation •Infertility •Impotence and prostate disorders •Disorders associated with menopause Please contact AACMA if you would like further information on Chinese herbal medicine, or if you would like the contact details of qualified Chinese herbal medicine practitioners in your local area.