Lori-Ellen Grant is an ACC Treatment Provider for Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a whole approach to both the management of disease and the maintenance of health. It focuses as much on the prevention of illness as on the treatment of illness.
When we are healthy, ample Qi flows through the body along channels called meridians, connecting the surface of the body with the internal organs. If the flow of Qi is blocked in anyway or there is a lack of Qi, then the body will have difficulty remaining in balance, hence the development of ill heath.
Acupuncture points are specific sites on a meridian/channel where the flow of Qi can be influenced and stimulated. “Meridians/Channels are an invisible network linking vital substances to organs and carrying nourishment and strength. Meridians/Channels unify all parts of the body which is essential to remaining in a harmonious balance.”
By inserting fine needles into the body’s channels/meridians, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response which in turn helps to restore its natural balance.
The flow of Qi can become imbalanced through a number of factors including lifestyle, poor nutrition, overwork, weather and environmental conditions, hereditary factors, trauma, and infections. [‘Huang-di Nei Jing Su-wen’(Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor), Beijing, People’s Press, 1963]
An Acupuncture treatment is a four step process:
1. Detailed Case History
2. Physical Assessment
3. Treatment
4. Home Care
1. Detailed Case History
Be prepared for a detailed case history to ensure that adequate information is gathered regarding your case. This is to ensure that I can provide quality care and attention to your health. I will look carefully for signs of health and dysfunction, paying particular attention not only to the presenting signs and symptoms, but also to the medical history, general constitution, and the pulse and tongue.
2. Physical Assessment
Gathering information through the 4 observations includes questioning, looking, listening/smelling, and palpating. I will also take the tongue and pulse. This involves feeling the pulse on both wrist and looking at the tongue. Where necessary, I will need to assess Range of Motion and carry out muscle testing if this is applicable to your treatment as well as a postural assessment. A hands-on approach may also be used. This would include palpating affected and related areas of the body.
3. Treatment
The treatment will consist of any of the following:
Acupuncture
See above
Therapeutic Massage/Acupressure
(more information…)
Moxibustion
A heat treatment that involves warming specific sites on the body by burning herbs. This generates a pleasant, mild sensation of the heat spreading through the area being treated. The intention is to stimulate circulation through the points and induce a smoother flow of blood and Qi.
Cupping
An ancient Chinese practice in which a glass cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (by using change in heat or by suctioning out air), so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup.
This technique helps to relieve stagnation in areas of the body where the cup is applied.
Nutrition
Advice regarding suitable dietary intake is given while ensuring that it is realistic and appropriate.
Exercise
Suggestion for relevant stretches and related exercises are given to match your treatment.
Tuning Forks
A metal two-pronged fork that resonates at a specific constant frequency when set vibrating by striking it against a surface or with an object. The fork is then placed gently onto the skin. The sound vibration is relaxing and energizing. It can enhance breathing, relieve body tension, and assist in pain management. The sound wave created by the Tuning Fork works like kinetic energy to move disharmony and tension from the body while restoring a sense of well-being.
Flower Essences
‘Essences work directly on the electrical network within and surrounding the body to correct imbalances. Flower essence therapy stems from Dr. Edward Bach, a physician and homeopath who believed that physical illness is preceeded by imbalances of thought and emotion’ – Flower Essences NZ Inc. These are given in small bottles to be taken daily.
4. Home Care
Treatment is a team effort, we work together for the desired result. Where relevant, I will give homecare advice. This may include nutrition recommendations, exercises and lifestyle recommendations.
