An Introduction to Japanese Acupuncture and Meridian Therapy
While any energy based approach to healing that utilises knowledge of the meridian system might be called "Meridian Therapy", in the context of Oriental medicine it refers to a relatively "hands on" style of diagnosis and treatment that emphasises subtlety and gentleness. While acupuncture (using exceptionally fine needles), acupressure, massage, moxibustion and cupping are the traditional "tools" in my "toolkit", there are many more ways of gently yet powerfully influencing the flow and balance of energy in the meridian system: polarity treatments (e.g. magnets) and Meridian Tapping Therapy (aka EFT) are examples of more modern techniques and these can be exceptionally effective in the right circumstance. An important skill is to know which "tool" is the best one to use in any given situation.
Whatever tool or technique is applied the goal is always the same: to harmonise, strengthen, balance and invigorate the flow of energy through the meridians. The meridians flow through all the major organs, glands, the nervous system, including the brain, and through all the joints including the spine. The meridians also profoundly influence mental, emotional and spiritual levels of energy. Therefore balancing and strengthening the energy flow through the whole system is understood to be the single most beneficial change any therapy can make in supporting or encouraging a natural healing process.
What conditions can Japanese Acupuncture treat?
What follows is a list of those conditions which I have commonly treated over the years. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, it simply gives an idea of the scope of Japanese acupuncture and my previous clinical experience.
Pain and Musculoskeletal problems
Back pain, neck pain, whiplash injury, shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, knee pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury, arthritis, fibromyalgia, sciatica.
Headaches, sinusitis, migraines, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD)
Internal health problems
Problems arising from a weakened immune system, recurrent infections, fatigue, ME or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Stress related problems, insomnia, PTSD, emotional and psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, lack of self-confidence etc.
Digestive problems including disorders of the stomach, intestines and bowel, including IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea.
Menstrual and menopausal problems, infertility problems.
Blood pressure problems: hyper and hypo tension, poor circulation etc.
Emotional Problems such as phobias, high stress levels and traumatic memories may also be worked with very effectively using Emotional Freedom Technique - a form of meridian therapy that combines energy work with simple holistic psychotherapy.
Overview of treatment
An average course of treatment is ten sessions, one session per week, each session lasting one hour. The initial session is longer (90 minutes) because of the time needed to take a full case history and make a traditional diagnosis. This is the additional detail I will need beyond the basic information supplied in the Patient History Form which will normally have been completed prior to the initial session. The first session includes a preliminary treatment. This treatment serves two important purposes:
Firstly it is very important diagnostically. After taking a case-history I will have a few possible treatment strategies in mind, however it is not until I actually begin to work "hands on" with the patient that I can discern exactly which strategy will be most effective for them.
Secondly, the initial treatment serves to give patients an introduction to acupuncture in which I will explain each step of the treatment as it unfolds. The intention is that patients arrive for their first full treatment feeling as relaxed as possible and knowing what to expect in subsequent treatment sessions.
The majority of patients I see require one course of treatment over a ten week period. If an illness is very severe or of long duration, several courses of treatment may be required. Ultimately the aim is always to begin to reduce the frequency of treatment as soon as practically possible.
For example if a patient's health improves such that they do not require treatment every week, then I arrange to see them fortnightly. Then as their condition stabilises and improves still further we extend the time between treatment to three-weekly and then monthly and so on. It is often sensible for patients to have a check up with the change of each season so that we can work preventatively.
The principle in Oriental medicine is called the "Law of Minimum": It is profoundly respectful of the fact that my role as a healer or therapist is to support and encourage my patient's independent good health as rapidly as their natural healing process allows. At the same time, the best medicine always seeks to prevent illness before it occurs or re-occurs.
For detailed information, please visit http://www.japanese-acupuncture.org.uk
