| 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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