Acupuncture,
herbal medicine
and
homeopathy
are highly effective therapies for a wide range of
conditions:
see list on the
conditions treated
page
PJ Cousin M.B.Ac.C
is a
registered acupuncturist
and herbalist with more than 25 years experience in natural
medicine; he also learned massage,
homeopathy,
Eastern
and
Western Herbalism
as well as
acupuncture
and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
PJ Cousin taught all these subjects for 12 years in this
country and abroad. A prolific writer he has worked as a
contributor on nine books, including 3 volumes of an
encyclopedia; as a sole author, he has written three best
selling books: "Facelift at your
fingertips",
"Natural recipes for a perfect
skin"
and "Food is Medicine".
Pierre
jean cousin is the owner and manager of Cure By nature, a
well established complementary practice in Replingham road,
Southfields
He is also the owner and director of
theprivatedoctor.co.uk, a private GP practice and Travel
clinic established within Cure By Nature
The principal method of treatment is by insertion of very fine needles into points which lie beneath the skin.
These points may also be treated by warming with a burning herb (moxibustion), by gentle electrical pulse (electro-acupuncture), or by laserå.
Acupuncture is world wide: it is used in almost every country in the world.
It is estimated that there are presently 3 millions practicing acupuncturists, including barefoot doctors. Acupuncture takes years to learn: a qualified practitioner needs many years of study and clinical practice in order to refine his diagnostic and therapeutic skills, acupuncture is a complex system which requires extensive study of the classical theory, profound knowledge of both theory and practice, and the necessary background in western medicine as well.
The classical theory
This is based on the dual interaction of yin and yang, and the uninterrupted flow of energy along the 14 meridians of acupuncture. Disease is caused, according to the classics, by either an imbalance between yin and yang, or a blockage or interruption of the flow of energy, along the meridians.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians.
Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians,thus re-establishing balance between YIN and YANG, finely tuning the flow of life energy, removing blockages along "meridian" pathways.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's
natural healing abilities, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
What is the scope of acupuncture?
Acupuncture can influence three major areas of health care: . promotion of health and well-being, . prevention of illness, . treatment of a variety of pathologies.
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
Respiratory System:
asthma, chest infections, bronchitis.
Cardiovascular:
palpitations, angina, chest pain, poor circulation, hypertension.
Digestive System:
stomach ulcer, gastritis, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, colitis, constipation or diarrhoea.
Genito-Urinary:
cystitis, prostatitis, bed wetting.
Gynaecological:
premenstrual syndrome, menstrual pain, irregular period, lack of, or excessive menstruation, infertility, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms.
Neurological:
effect of strokes, trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, Bell's palsy.
Locomotor:
sport injuries, pain, stiffness, fibrositis, lumbago, sciatica, rheumatism, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendinitis
Psychological:
anxiety, depression, phobias, agitation, insomnia, stress.
General:
malaise, low energy, poor vitality, recurrent illness, fatigue.
Ear, Nose, Throat:
sinusitis, hay fever, tinnitus, recurrent sore throat, mouth ulcers, etc.
Others:
migraine, tension, hormonal imbalance, pains of all kind.
Skin Diseases:
eczema, psoriasis, etc. Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.
What can acupuncture do for you ?
The benefit of acupuncture varies from one individual to another, but generally acupuncture treatment reduces stress, increases general well being drastically, improves health and self healing, strengthens natural vitality and the natural defenses of the organism, in other words it makes people function better and feel healthier.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments varies according to the condition treated. The statistics carried out in my practice show an average of 8 treatments per person. Usually, 4 to 6 treatments are needed initially at weekly intervals; then a few more treatments are required on longer periods of time to make sure that the condition does not reoccur.
Does it hurt?
The needles are thin like a hair and certainly have nothing in common with a syringe needle. A slight prickling sensation is felt as the needle pierces the skin and sometimes a tingling sensation is experienced while the needles are in place.
How many needles are used in one treatment ?
Two to eight points needled bilaterally in one treatment is about the average.
"Change is an expression of duality; a
second state of being emerging from the first. The two
components of the dual power were designated as Yin and
Yang."
What
should you expect?
Everyone's response to treatment is different, so I
don't have preconceived ideas or rigid expectations.
Some people quickly feel much better, while some don't
notice any immediate changes. Often the first changes
to occur improve the overall state of health, and one
will experience better sleeping, feeling more relaxed
or "even". A feeling of lightness and well-being are
also common. As the whole person is treated, emotional,
mental and physical changes happen together. The
symptoms might still be present, but they will lessen
with time. Since it took time to get the disease, it
will take time to cure it.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?
Usually not. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen
for a day; it should not cause concern, as this is
simply an indication that the acupuncture is starting
to work. It is quite common with the first one or two
treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or
even mild disorientation immediately following the
treatment..
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs,
horses and other animals. These animal patients do not
understand or believe in the process that helps them
get better. A constructive attitude toward a better
health may reinforce the effects of the treatment
received.
Are there any "DO'S and DON'TS" on the day of a
treatment?
Yes, the following guidelines are important: Do not eat
a very large meal immediately before or after a
treatment. Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual
activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours
before or after acupuncture. Plan your activities so
that after the treatment you can get some rest. This is
especially important for the first few visits. Continue
to take any prescription medicines as directed by your
doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially
in the week prior to treatment, will seriously
interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture.
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what
your response is to the treatment. This is important
for your practitioner to know so that the follow-up
treatments can be designed to best help you and your
problem.