Treatment
Methods
Treatment methods
The 5 elements - water, wood, fire, earth and metal – are the basic building blocks of nature. They explain and enable the continuous flow of energies, and through their interaction create growth and change.
Each element describes a different phase in nature and is mirrored in the human-being. How a person behaves and participates in life tells a lot about his internal state and the energy of his organs. When the 5 energy phases are in balance we are able to express emotions in a healthy way and find harmony within ourselves.
TCM
Whereas classical 5 element acupuncture focuses on choosing acupuncture point based on the core characteristics of an individual, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is more focused on the patient's symptoms. Diagnosis is made by linking and differentiated symptoms into syndromes for which certain combinations of points are chosen. The strengths of TCM lies in the treatment of more acute ailments and the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
Integrated acupuncture
I completed my training abroad in order to learn both 5 element and TCM methods of acupuncture. At the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, I learnt how to integrate both methods to achieve the best results. Using such methods for long Covid for example have shown to be very beneficial. Symptoms are alleviated while the immune system is strengthened against further infection and the person regains energy.
Moxa
Moxa is derived from the Mugwort plant and moxibustion is a form of heat therapy. The moxa is burned in the form of cylinders over specific acupuncture points; moved with a moxa stick over specific channels (meridians); or placed on a needle. Moxibustion stimulates the circulation of blood and energy (Qi), eliminates pathogens and warms the spirit.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient form of medicine. With the help of heat or a suction cup, negative pressure is generated to attach a glass or bamboo cup over muscles or joints. The cups are either left in place or moved back and forth over a specific areas of the body. Cupping is mainly used to eliminate pathogens, relax muscles and relieve muscle and joint pain.
Guasha
Gua-sha therapy is a type of massage using a comb-like instrument to relieve tension and muscle pain. Similar to cupping, it stimulates the circulation in areas of pain..
Tuina
Tuina is a Chinese form of healing massage. It is mainly practised over clothing and without the use of oil. The massage combines different techniques and acupressure. It is indicated for the relaxation of muscles and the reduction of pain, as well as for the treatment of internal diseases.
Pulse diagnosis
Pulse diagnosis is a very important part of acupuncture. There are 12 different pulses, 6 on each hand, which are used to diagnose the strength of energy in the organ meridians. The pulses have subtle qualities which help to diagnose any imbalances in the system. Personally, I find pulse diagnosis to be one of the most fascinating aspects of acupuncture.
Tongue diagnosis
Tongue diagnosis considers shape, color, coating, consistency and moisture of different areas of the tongue in order to understand the "inner substances" as well as heat or cold in the body. Apart from acute situations changes in the tongue are very gradual.
