A friend recently recommended acupuncture for stress, as, she says, I have become unbearable to be around. Can you explain how acupuncture works?

It is not easy to explain in precise terms how acupuncture works. In simple terms, when an acupuncture needle is applied to the body certain chemicals, hormones and enzymes are released, which in turn can have a specific effect on different parts of the body.

The Chinese explain acupuncture on the basis of their philosophy - the theory of Yin and Yang and the five elements. They have identified 14 channels or 'meridians' running through the body. These channels conduct the flow of vital energy or 'qi'. This flow is disrupted when there may be disease, illness or injury. Chinese medicine is different from western medicine, which is centred on trying to cure a particular disease. The oriental emphasis is on restoring balance and good health.

In acupuncture, very fine needles are inserted into specific areas of the body. There are various other techniques used as well. Electro acupuncture is applied without needles; auriculotherapy, concentrates on inserting the needles into points in the ears; moxibustion, is a technique which heats the acupuncture needles with special herbs and lastly, acupressure which is a technique of applying pressure with the fingers to various points rather than needles. There is also a technique called laser magnetic acupuncture.

Acupuncture is extremely affective with all types of stress. This is because it rebalances all systems within the body and, in particular, restores balance to the nervous system. It is important, however, that you contact your GP to rule out any medical cause and then to see an acupuncturist for several sessions to get to the root cause of your stress. If you do not understand what is causing the problem in the first place, the benefits of the treatment will ware off within a few days.

Some people go to acupuncture on an on-going basis to alleviate the physical symptoms of a stressful lifestyle. Although this is better than suffering all the negative side affects of stress, it is not the ideal solution. Acupuncture is not designed as a quick fix to a problem. Long-term stress is really not good for your general wellbeing. After a period of time, emotional challenges will present themselves if stress is not resolved. As well as using acupuncture to help heal your body, ask yourself some serious questions about what you can do to try to eradicate some of the areas of stress in your life. Use this period of reflection as an opportunity to improve your life, and to work towards a more fulfilling and rewarding future. Small amounts of stress are OK and easy to deal with. But I cannot underestimate the damage long term serious stress can have on your body and emotions. Other methods that may help are resolving the source of your stress, correcting you nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage, reflexology and several other treatments.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. If you would like a question covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.

Dr H Bhatti is the President of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and can be contacted at his clinics at Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway on 091-568804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091-777700.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment