| Clinics
and Therapeutic Services
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Acupuncture,
Moxibustion and Cupping
Acupuncture
and Moxibustion are important components of TCM with
a long history. As early as the New Stone Age in China, primitive
human beings used 'bian' stones, the earliest acupuncture instruments,
to treat disease. As tool production developed, bone and bamboo
needles appeared and, after the development of metal casting
techniques and metal tools, the use of metal medical needles,
fashioned from bronze, iron, gold and silver, became prevalent.
Today, stainless steel needles are the most widely used.
Acupuncture
is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced
flow of Qi (or Chi), the vital life energy present in all living
organisms. Qi is said to circulate in the body along twelve
major pathways, called Meridians, each linked to specific internal
organs and organ systems. Within the Meridian system, there
are over a thousand acupoints, located just under the skin,
which can be stimulated to enhance the flow of Qi. Acupuncturists
insert special needles into these acupoints, helping to correct
the flow of energy, thus relieving pain and providing curative
benefits.
Used
either separately or in conjunction with Acupuncture, Moxibustion
again focuses on the acupoints in the body. It was gradually
developed after the discovery and use of fire. Primitive man
began by finding that warming themselves by fire helped relieve
pain resulting from the cold. From this, they came to use hot
stones or sand wrapped in animal skin or bark to treat disease
through local heat compression, gradually perfecting the technique
using ignited branches or hay to warm the affected part.
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This
is the most primitive form of Moxibustion. It was subsequently
found, through trial and error, that Moxa leaves produced the
best results when used as Moxibustion material. The
modern process involves the burning of the herbs, formed into a 'Moxastick',
above or on the skin at the relevant acupoints, warming the blood
and thus enhancing the flow of Qi. When used in conjunction with acupuncture,
the herb is burned at the point of entry into the skin.
Cupping is an ancient detoxification method used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditionally, bamboo and plant stems were used; nowadays, practitioners work with glass cups of various sizes.
After a consultation and diagnosis, glass cups are warmed with a burning taper to create a vacuum. Each cup is placed on a selected area, pulling the skin upwards and drawing out toxins. Cups are left for up to 20 minutes. When removed, the redness, contour and darkness of the mark left is examined; the round red marks will remain for 3 to 4 days though the process itself is not painful.
Typically, Cupping is used for the treatment of ailments as diverse as influenza, asthma, abdominal pain, menstrual problems, and muscular and musculoskeletal disorders.
The Institute offers regular clinics and accepts private consultancies for all of these services.
Please contact us for information
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| DISCLAIMER:The Institute of Chinese Medicine dispenses herbs and certain creams and pills without prior consultation. In such cases, the Institute takes no responsibility for misuse or failure to comply with any manufacturer's instruction. The Institute recommends that all prescriptions and exercise routines be undertaken under the guidance of its personnel and further recommends that you inform or seek the guidance of your GP or qualified medical or allied health professional. |
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