Acupuncture - About
David Rogers Lic.Ac
Has practised acupuncture in Bedford for over 15 years.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an integral part of the rapid growth of complementary therapy in the UK, and with an increasing number of people seeking acupuncture treatment it is important for patients and healthcare professionals to understand the difference in the two styles most commonly on offer.
Acupuncture as practised by members practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine is an holistic approach to health based on over 2000 years of developments and refinements in the Far East. Western-style or medical acupuncture is a more recent development practised predominantly by doctors and physiotherapists which uses a more limited range of acupuncture techniques on the basis of a western medical diagnosis. Traditionally, acupuncture is an holistic approach to the management of disease as well as the maintenance of health. The skill of an acupuncturist lies in their ability to make a traditional diagnosis from what is often a complex pattern of disharmony. The exact pattern and degree of disharmony is unique to each individual and with traditional acupuncture will be treated as such with a personalised treatment plan.
History
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 herbalists Li Shi Zen published his 50-volume 'Compendium of Materia Medica', as well as a study 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.
Although acupuncture was always practised in rural communities, it was not until after the Liberation and the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949, that there was a great resurgence of interest in it at a national level. During the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), with the persecution of surgeons and doctors practising biomedicine, traditional Chinese medicine was given new opportunities to develop. Today acupuncture is used far more extensively in China than in the West, in a hospital-based system with facilities for treating acute as well as chronic cases. The national policy is to pursue both systems side by side, with extensive clinical research.
In Britain, serious study of traditional acupuncture did not develop until the 1950s and early 1960s. The links were made either through Europe or through direct contact with teachers and schools in Taiwan, Korea and elsewhere. The serious students of acupuncture came from the ranks of those who were already interested in, or who actually practised, natural medicines - osteopaths, homeopaths and naturopaths. To many it seemed that traditional Chinese medicine had formalised and set down many of the concepts they had found through their own experience.
There has been a steady increase in the number of professionally trained practitioners in the UK, from just a handful of qualified acupuncturists in the 1970's to over 2200 registered by the year 2000.
Questions & Answers
Q: What should I do before treatment?
A: Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. Also avoid alcohol and food or drinks which colour your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment.
Q: How will I feel after acupuncture?
A: Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours after treatment, in which case you are advised not to drive or do anything that can put you at risk. There may also be a short term flare up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself.
Q: Should I tell my doctor?
A: If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
Q: Is Acupuncture available on the NHS?
A: A: Not generally. In cases where your local Primary Care Group(PCG) or Primary Care Trust(PCT) have agreed a contract with a local acupuncturist, your GP may make a referral. However, you should always enquire as to the training of an acupuncturist and ensure that they have studied for a minimum three years full-time or the part-time equivalent. Many GP's/Physios have just done a weekend or two training.
Q: What can acupuncture do for me?
A: It depends on whether you have specific symptoms or want to use acupuncture as a preventative treatment. Contact us at the centre for a free consultation. We will be able to answer specific questions that you may have.
Q: Why should I go to the Rising Crane centre?
A: David Rogers has extensive training in acupuncture having graduated from the 'College of Integrated Chinese Medicine'. He is covered by full Medical Malpractice and Public Liability Insurance. Despite spending a lot of time in China and having a deep appreciation for Chinese culture, he has over 15 years of clinical experience in Bedford, and being a native English speaker, communication will not be a problem!
Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: This varies between patients. Certainly a course of treatment is required, one off miracle cures are unusual! Some changes either in yourself generally, or in your condition directly should be noticed after 4 - 6 treatments.
Q: What is the difference between Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and Medical Acupuncture?
A: Medical Acupuncture is often practised by doctors who have an interest in acupuncture, sometimes with only a few weekends training. The qualification Lic.Ac. requires an extensive training in acupuncture (irrespective of any prior western medical training) of at least 3 years full-time (or the part-time equivalent) and which includes the requisite western medical sciences.
Q: Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?
A: Yes, at least until careful discussion is had with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment - because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or a dull ache.
Q: What about the needles used?
A: David Rogers uses only single use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of after each treatment. He observes a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for other equipment.
