Integrated approach to Acupuncture

Acupuncture theory derives from two fundamental concepts: yin/yang theory and the Five Elements. These two profound ideas have shaped Oriental medical theory and practice for many years, and continue to do so today. The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine trains acupuncture practitioners in an integrated style. This style brings together the strengths of yin/yang theory (using Traditional Chinese Medicine) and the Five Elements (using Five Element constitutional diagnosis) in one integrated whole, acupuncture course.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), based on yin/yang and Eight Principle theory, is the mainstream style practised in China. It concentrates on the symptoms of a patient's illness. It is well suited for treating a wide range of physical and psychological conditions. It is also very effective when treating musculo-skeletal problems, which many of our patients suffer from. Based on a combination of questioning and observation, as well as pulse and tongue diagnosis, it provides an effective framework for treating complaints such as headaches, gynaecological problems, digestive complaints, chest conditions and many other illnesses.

Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture Course focuses on the person who has the illness, rather than the illness itself. A combination of our genetic inheritance and the first few years of life leave all of us with subtle imbalances in our qi that affect our health and wellbeing.

The practitioner detects these imbalances by observing a person closely, concentrating on four crucial aspects:

the emotion they are expressing most inappropriately
the colour that can be observed on their face, particularly on the lower temples beside the eye
the odour emitted by their body
the sound present in their voice, particularly a tone that does not fit with the emotion being expressed.

Together these indicate which of the Five Elements is the constitutional imbalance of the patient: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, or Wood.

By incorporating both styles, the practitioner creates a wider range of treatment possibilities and touches the patient deeply. Patients feel better in themselves, have more vitality and deal with the problems that caused them to seek treatment.

Learn more about this information taken from CICM

What can Acupuncture help ?

back pain, neck pain and sciatica
high blood pressure
arthritis
migraines
gynecological problems
allergies and asthma
digestive problems
skin conditions
stress and anxiety
insomnia
depression
panic attacks
post-viral and chronic fatigue
urinary incontinence
post trauma/post operative support
stroke rehabilitation
non-specific aches and pains
overcoming addictions to food, drugs,
alcohol, smoking