ABDOMINAL ACUPUNCTURE AND PAIN RELIEF
In my years of nursing I have seen first hand the long term effects of pain. Pain impacts all parts of a clients life, the ability to work effectively, to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, to sleep well, socialise with friends or family. It can affect relationships with spouses and even affect the client’s mental health. Finding methods of pain relief without debilitating side effects becomes more and more urgent.
Acupuncture and pain
Acupuncture has long been known to help with pain relief.
It can reduce inflammation and increase both the body’s natural painkillers and how the brain recognises pain stimuli.
Usually as an acupuncturist I am found after the GP, physio or Dr Google have failed to give satisfactory results. The resulting online research invariably brings up acupuncture as a good option.
What is abdominal acupuncture?
Mark came to see me. He was interested in my abdominal acupuncture for his painful back.
Abdominal acupuncture was discovered by Prof Bo in 1972. He was treating a client with a particularly stubborn painful back. Western medicine and traditional acupuncture points were having no effect. He delved into the history of acupuncture and tried a couple of points not obviously used for back pain. The results were amazing. It started a lifetime of learning, refining and trialing his new techniques.
Finally in 1992 it was accepted as a welcome and exciting addition to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What is abdominal acupuncture useful for?
It has been used in all manner of conditions but is useful in musculoskeletal issues such as back, knee and neck pain.
Abdominal acupuncture can be useful in multi site pain such as fibromyalgia.
It is also useful in anxiety, stress and depression as this trial into menopausal depression shows.
The effects on PCOS and obesity/weight loss are discussed in the following article, again positively.
http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/21090334
Advantages of abdominal acupuncture
There is less needle sensation so is less painful and clients normally prefer it.
The needles are inserted very shallowly.
Needles are not inserted into joints so less risk of infection. It is also useful if there are casts or bandages.
It can treat a number of problems at once.
Can give rapid results.
How is your knowledge different to other acupuncturists?
Many practitioners are taught the common abdominal acupuncture points. Few have undergone the post grad training I have taken in learning the subtleties of this new style of abdominal acupuncture and understanding the uses of the new abdominal points.
I also have the additional experience of many years of nurse training and practice under my belt.
As a fully trained traditional acupuncturist I have the knowledge and experience to be able to use both systems of acupuncture. I frequently use both together.
Case study
Mark attended the clinic for his first session.
We filled in his questionnaire and his initial pain score which is a number between 1-10, the higher the score the more pain being experienced. Mark was a 7.
He lay on his back on my couch and a few needles were shallowly inserted in specific places on his abdomen. He found the needling process painless and felt pleasant tingling sensations in his low back.
After the session we filled in the pain assessment again . It had dropped to 4.
Mark was delighted and a little surprised. He admitted he had been skeptical that needles in the stomach could help his back.
After returning for two more sessions, again his score dropped, to a 2 this time.
He was a convert. I had the pleasure of seeing his mum, brother and girlfriend for help with various ailments since then using both traditional and abdominal acupuncture.
The power of a happy client and word of mouth!
Final note.
Many times clients notice quick improvements, sometimes it can take 24-48 hours for the full results to be seen.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment.
More information on abdominal acupuncture is provided in the below article
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=32045
