Page 109 - LCNL Diwali Magazine

HAPPY DIWALI RAGHUVANSHI 2023 - 2024

Acupuncture - a way of health and harmony

Over two thousand years ago doctors in China created an entire range of treatments for physical,
mental and emotional ailments. Better still, they discovered how to promote wellbeing in the healthy.
These innovations gave rise to China’s Traditional Medicine, a parallel development to Ayurveda.
It was a tradition that was also to give us Acupuncture, currently the most widely used traditional
medicine practice throughout the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Whilst
you might have heard about Acupuncture’s impressive effect upon, for example, joint and muscular
pain and stiffness, you might not yet be aware of the vast range of other health and wellbeing benefits
the therapy may offer.
What is Acupuncture?

It involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific areas of the body known as acupoints. The traditional Chinese
belief is that universal energy, Qi/Prana, flows through every living being and is responsible for health and for life itself. An
Acupuncturist seeks to access that flow of Qi, harmonising and improving it by the use of needles. It’s a highly sophisticated
system but at the same time one that is designed to get results.

What can it treat?
The WHO has recommended Acupuncture for over 100 conditions. Many research studies support the use of Acupuncture
for conditions such as addiction support, migraines, asthma, skin disorders, gynaecological problems, menopausal symptoms,
cancer support, insomnia, digestive issues, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is now also
gaining traction as an alternative to surgery, Botox and fillers.
Medication
Pharmaceutical medication is a social norm for most UK residents and has undoubtedly helped a great many people. However,
pharmaceuticals may also come with side effects, and can create dependencies. There may even be complications when
combined with other medications and therapies. This is where Acupuncture can be particularly useful. Chinese or Ayurvedic
herbal medicine can react with or be contraindicated for use with medication you are already taking. Quite simply, Acupuncture
does not. This can make it one of the safest forms of complementary
therapy.
Mental health
Most of us lead stressful lives. In 2022/23, a staggering 86 million
antidepressants were prescribed to an estimated 8.6 million NHS
patients. Western medicine now recognises that many physical illnesses
are linked to underlying emotional and mental issues, particularly
stress. Our Vedic sages knew that harmony of body, mind and spirit
was essential, and the ancient Chinese came to the same conclusion
and created Acupuncture as another major tool for achieving the right
balance. (Several modern research studies also show that anxiety and
depression can often be alleviated by Acupuncture).

Admittedly, Acupuncture is probably not for everyone. Many doctors
embrace it, whilst others do not. Sometimes Acupuncture has little
success whilst for others it can be literally life changing. Like all healing
modalities, it has its pros and cons and is in no way a ‘magic bullet’
for all ills. If you are thinking of trying Acupuncture, there can be
no harm in speaking to your doctor first. It’s also important to find a
licensed, qualified, and insured Acupuncturist who follows strict, safe
codes of practice and is regulated by either the AAC or BAcC.
Author Neena Thakkar LLB(hons) MBA BSc(hons) LicAc is a solicitor, business
consultant and Chinese medicine therapist. She is a director of the College of
Integrated Chinese Medicine. For more information, including details of research and
citations, she can be contacted on ntmail2016@icloud.com

105