Alternative therapies

Problems helped by acupuncture are numerous: spine problems, pain, headaches, arthritis, hayfever, asthma, skin conditions.

Just another prick with a needle!

Initially doubting, most patients are prepared to give it a try: Often as a last resort, having tried various pain relieving strategies previously. Acupuncture is as old as the hills. There are records of its use for at least 2000 years, originally in China where it is still used today alongside conventional medicine. There is some evidence that it was also used in ancient Egypt when Egyptian civilisation was at its height. It has taken time however for acupuncture to be adopted by the rather conservative west. Its origins in this country date from around the 1970's from when its popularity, and the demand for it, has grown dramatically in line with other complementary therapies.

The practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin. The needles are so slender there is very little, if any, discomfort when this is carried out. For example it is considerably less uncomfortable than having a blood specimen taken or even donating blood. The needles may be inserted almost anywhere on the body surface depending on the area of complaint. Occasionally areas such as the ear or the scalp are used by preference for more specific treatment plans.

The length of time the needles are left in the skin can vary from a few seconds to many minutes depending on the response. They may be stimulated in order to obtain a greater reaction either by gently manipulating by hand; by connecting up to a very mild electric current; or even (very rarely in my practice) by burning a small amount of a Chinese herb at the end of the needle to generate heat. The recipient may then experience a wide range of sensations both at the site of the needle insertion or at distant sites. As well as local sensations people who are very sensitive to acupuncture may have a feeling of general relaxation. This would appear to happen in only a minority of patients, however.

The needles I use are made of stainless steel, individually pre-sterilised, and disposable. There are no drugs either on the needle or injected through the needle unlike an injection. So you wonder: How can this work?

Acupuncture may work by several possible routes: in traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture is thought to influence energy flows through various body organ systems via specific channels linking these organ systems. These are known as meridians. However, a view adopted by more orthodox acupuncturists is that acupuncture works via the peripheral nervous system influencing chemical transmitters both in the spinal cord, and in other parts of the central nervous system.

The range of conditions in which acupuncture can be effective are many. Whilst it is unlikely to alter any physical abnormality causing pain however acupuncture may be extremely effective in symptom control in such cases. Other areas which may be helped by acupuncture are irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, some gynaecological disorders, neck and back pains, and some addictions. The list of complaints for which acupuncture may be used is endless. Any set of symptoms may be worth treating with acupuncture, particularly if conventional treatment hasnÕt helped. I have yet to see any complaint aggravated by a course of acupuncture treatment.

In experienced hands acupuncture is quite safe. After all, the Chinese have been using it since long before our current system of conventional medicine was ever dreamed of.

DR F WOOD, MBChB MRCGP, Union Brae Surgery, Tweedmouth.

LINDA MATTHEWS 018907 81218

Aromatherapy and reflexology are often used in combination, the qualities of one enhancing the actions of the other. There is evidence to suggest that treatments speed up wound and bone healing so can be useful following surgery. Migraines, insomnia, pre-menstrual tension, irritable bowel syndrome and symptoms caused by stress are examples of some of the conditions successfully treated.

Reflexology is an ancient treatment based on the application of pressure to points on feet and hands that correspond to organs of the body bringing about balance to all systems. The safe use of the therapies is paramount. They do not replace medical treatment and if medical treatment is being given it is important to check which therapy is most appropriate.

Conventional and complementary medicine practitioners are working hard to bridge the gap between them and ensure a safe and effective form of treatment.

The ancient answer to modern ailments? Reflexology and aromatherapy are a natural way of stimulating the body to use its own healing resources. Reflexology; by the pressure applied to reflex points in the feet and hands which affect all the systems of the body to restore balance and well being. Aromatherapy; by the skilled use of essential oils absorbed into the body using various methods each appropriate to the individual needs of each person.

Therapists are often trained in both disciplines; they complement each other well and it has been found that the use of essential oils speed up the effects of reflexology and reflexology enhances the action of essential oils. The therapies are energy balancing procedures. As with other therapies they recognise the importance of balancing all aspects of our physical, emotional and spiritual being in order to maintain optimum health. Maintaining this balance is not easy with the busy and often stressful lives we lead. We can all benefit from complementary therapies. It is fun finding a therapy, or a combination of therapies which suits, give it a try and see how wonderful it feels!

Nowadays, in our western countries, pharmacological studies are done on medicinal plants and the actions of their constituents are better understood. Often a plant contains active constituents as well as other substances which balance the overall action, limiting the possible side effects. For example, most diuretics will tend to deplete the bodyÕs potassium. Herbalists use dandelion leaves which have a powerful diuretic action but also contain a vast amount of potassium.

Herbal medicine can help any condition including skin problems, digestive disorders, problems involving the heart and blood circulation, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal troubles, arthritis, insomnia, stress, migraines and headaches, sore throats, colds and flues and allergic responses like hayfever and asthma.

The herbalist will ask you a lot of questions to have an overview of the state of all the different parts of your body/mind and give you an individualised prescription to enhance the proper function of all your body systems. He or she will also give you advice about your diet and life style in general. You will have ample time to talk about your state of health, your worries and ask questions. A qualified herbalist will know when a condition is best referred to a GP, specialist or other therapist.

DR DOMINIQUE DAVIS MD MNIMH

He advocated the use of tiny but powerful doses of a substance which would, in larger quantities, create the imbalance in a healthy body. The approach can be understood as "like cures like". Vitality is restored by stimulating exactly those aspects which have been affected. There are around 3000 different remedies, all made from natural ingredients, and unlike conventional medicines they contain no risk of toxic side effects. They are usually taken in tablet form but may also be liquids or powders.

A practitioner will aim to build up a complete picture of a patient's health during an initial consultation, which may take a couple of hours. As the intention is to match each patient to a particular remedy a great deal of work goes into finding the correct prescription. This holistic approach can involve looking at diet, exercise, lifestyle, environment, and a range of other emotional, physical and spiritual factors. It is a very individual form of treatment, practitioners need to know as much about the person as they are prepared to tell them, but no-one should be frightened as the information is completely confidential. They are bound by the same code of ethics as all doctors.

Although homeopathy is not a miracle cure for all ailments it can help to kick-start a depleted immune system, allowing most patients to improve their general state of health. It also works well with other alternative therapies. The Society of Homeopaths is the professional governing body in Britain. Homeopathy is available on the NHS and some doctors also use homeopathy. It is also available privately.

ISABEL REGAN, Homeopath.