THE HISTORY OF ACUPUNCTURE The Chinese and other Eastern peoples have been using acupuncture to restore, promote and maintain good health for about 2,500 years. Stone needles were originally used, and later bronze, gold and silver needles. The first medical account of acupuncture was 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine' which dates from about 300 BC. Acupuncture is rooted in the Daoist philosophy of change, growth, balance and harmony, and this text outlines the principles of natural law and the movements of life - yin and yang, the Five Elements, the organ system and the meridian network along which acupuncture points are located. Amazingly, these records also contain details of pathology and physiology which provide the theoretical foundation for acupuncture today, some 2000 years later. Acupuncture practice was gradually developed and refined. During the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), the famous Chinese herbalist, Li Shi Zen, published his 50-volume "Compendium of Materia Medica", as well as a syudy of the Pulse and the Extraordinary Meridians. But from the mid-seventeenth century there was a decline in acupuncture and herbalism which coincided with the increasing influence of Western ideas on China.   WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE? Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as Qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities - Yin and Yang - and when these become unbalanced, illness may result. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma. The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.   WHAT HAPPENS DURING TREATMENT? At your first session a diagnosis is carried out through a detailed consultation covering every aspect of your health, body and mind. Your tongue and pulse will be observed, as these are very important signs in Traditional Chinese Medicine.Treatment periods vary from a single session to several months - this will be discussed after the diagnosis. At first you will need to be seen once, or possibly twice a week, and as treatment starts to take effect sessions can be spaced out more. It is helpful if you can wear loose clothing for your visits. This enables me to access your elbows and knees without the need for you to remove clothes. I always ask my patients to sign a patient information and consent form before I begin the first consultation, and I will give you your own copy of this together with my pricelist and details of any "special offers" available.   DOES IT HURT? Today's acupuncture needles are extremely fine so treatment is usually almost painless. You may feel a dull ache or a tingling sensation as the needle comes in contact with the Qi. The needles are normally left in for about 20 minutes before taken out (it is not unusual for patients to fall asleep during this time). The needles come in sterile blister packs and are thrown away after a single use - this eliminates the spread of infection. Sometimes moxibustion is required - the warming of acupuncture points through the use of smoldering herbs. The needles may also be stimulated using a small electrical current.