TRADITIONAL ACUPUNCTURE
Marcus Mason LicAc. MBAcC
Member of the British Acupuncture Council
What is Traditional Acupuncture?
Traditional Acupuncture is a refined and elegant system of Chinese medicine that has evolved over 5000 years; it is able to treat not only the symptoms, but also address the underlying causes of many common conditions and diseases.
Some Conditions which can respond to acupuncture treatment include:
anxiety, headaches, migraines, back problems, skin conditions, breathing problems, stress, blood pressure, circulation, digestive problems, liver, kidney, bladder and gall bladder problems, menstrual and menopausal symptoms, infertility, impotence, blood disorders, chronic fatigue (ME), feelings of depression or general debility, and many other complaints.
Acupuncture can offer support to the immune system for those undergoing conventional medical treatment for cancer, and it can help to alleviate the side effects of radio-therapy and chemo-therapy.
As well as the above-mentioned conditions, Acupuncture is able to treat a variety of non-specific complaints and is very helpful when you are just feeling "off colour" or generally depleted.
Treating the Whole Person
Traditional Acupuncture always aims to go beyond the treatment of symptoms alone. Unless the underlying causes of the illness are addressed, then the symptoms may persist or return.
The causes can be found at many levels. They may have arisen from an old injury, or an illness from which the body never fully recovered, thus creating a chronic condition or "syndrome". They may be due to shock, trauma or physical or mental stress.
There may be emotional causes, arising, for example from prolonged periods of sadness, depression, grief or anger. Chronic fear can also eventually affect the health of the body.
Often, when people come for treatment they describe a sense of having lost the connection with their "vital spark" , or spirit.
Acupuncture can help you to regain that sense of connection, and well-being.
How does Acupuncture work?
Very fine stainless steel needles are used to stimulate the body’s vital energy, known as Qi (Chi); this is a dynamic and subtle energy that flows in the body through the acupuncture meridians.
Acupuncture Meridians
These are subtle energy pathways where the Qi flows to the organs and around the entire body. By stimulating the acupuncture points on the meridians, this affects not only the health of the organ systems, but also the person’s sense of emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.
Diagnosing the Causes of Disease
When you come for your first appointment, we will spend time in a relaxed atmosphere to form a "traditional diagnosis". I will ask you about your present condition, what led up to it, and relevant details about your past history, lifestyle, work, relationships and family history. This will all help to build a complete picture of your constitution, and of the underlying causes behind your present condition.
What Does Treatment involve?
After the initial diagnosis, I will take the twelve pulses, which are in different positions on the wrists - each of these reflects the condition of one of the main organ systems, and by assessing their strength, quality and relativity, this will help to determine the choice of points for each treatment.
The needles, which are vey fine, are inserted into the relevant acupuncture points; they may be left in position for up to 20 minutes, or they may be inserted, turned and immediately removed, depending of the desired effect for each treatment.
Does it hurt?
The initial needling produces a brief sensation - it may feel sharp, or like a dull ache or "spreading" sensation. Most people find it easily tolerable. Once the needles have been inserted, the needling sensation stops, although people often describe sensations of warmth, or gentle tingling as the treatment begins to take effect.
How many treatments?
This will depend upon each person, the nature of the complaint, and the length of time that their condition has existed. Treatments are normally once a week for the first few weeks, becoming less frequent as your condition, symptoms and overall sense of well-being improve.
What about my doctor?
If you are receiving treatment from your doctor, then he/she is entitled to know you are having acupuncture - most doctors are aware of the benefits of acupuncture. If you are on medication, this should not interfere with the acupuncture; as treatment progresses it will often become possible, with your doctor’s co-operation to reduce or eliminate the need for continued medication.
Marcus Mason
I have been practising Traditional Acupuncture since 1987, and have had a practice in Tavistock since 1989. My initial training was with the College of Traditional Acupuncture (CTA) in Leamington Spa, and then with the Acupuncture Integration Training Course at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM) in Reading. I have trained in the two main styles - 5 Element Acupuncture and 8 Principles/TCM - this enables an integrated approach which can address both the physical symptoms and syndromes, as well as balancing the emotional, mental and spiritual levels of the person.
The British Acupuncture Council
I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council, which is the professional body representing the Acupuncture profession. The BAcC. was formed in 1995 by the unification of the 5 member groups of the Council for Acupuncture, in order to maintain common standards of education, ethics, discipline and Codes of Practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. Prior to 1995, I was a member of the Traditional Acupuncture Society.
For further details of the B.Ac.C., you can visit their website at
www.acupuncture.org.uk
How much does treatment cost?
The diagnosis and first treatment lasts 1½ hrs, costing £42.00
Subsequent treatments last about 45mins, costing £30.00
In certain circumstances, concessionary rates may be arranged
For ENQUIRIES & APPOINTMENTS:
Call (01822) 616424 or Mobile: 07977 429321