What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the most traditional and common alternative health treatment in the world. It is part of traditional Chinese medicine. - TCM.
Acupuncture originated in China during the Shang Dynasty between 1100 and 1600 BC, but has only gained popularity in the Western world since 1971.
Acupuncture offers natural results for a wide range of health problems that cannot be solved by Western medicine today. It is a scientific system of healing that restores and maintains the mind and body.
Acupuncture is real physical medicine, based on real anatomy. It balances the functioning of body systems by improving the supply of oxygen, blood, nutrients and fluids in the body, strengthening the health of blood vessels and organs, and influencing and manipulating the nervous system to create homeostasis, balance and pain relief in the body.
Body acupuncture
This is the most common acupuncture treatment. It involves inserting and manipulating very fine needles at known and proven acupuncture points, usually to a depth of about 3 to 5 millimetres. Each point has a different therapeutic effect; the points are distributed over the body from head to toe.
Traditional Chinese Medicine - TCM
TCM is one of the oldest healing methods; in fact, it is 3,500 years older than Western medicine (1847). TCM is a collection of various methods, theories and practices of ancient Chinese wisdom. It is based on the "natural law" and is designed to help people achieve and maintain health.
Effective for problems of:
respiratory, urology, burnout, headaches and migraines, hay fever, dermatology, gastrointestinal complaints, menstrual complaints, menopause, obesity, pain, rheumatism, RSI, joints, back pain, sleep, fertility, discomfort during pregnancy, paediatrics, sports results and injuries, cancer treatment support.
In my practice:
For quick and optimal results, I combine acupuncture with lifestyle advice. Treating inflammation during an inflammatory lifestyle does not help. I also use my knowledge of PNI-E (PsychoNeuroImmunology and Endocrinology). I treat both acute and chronic conditions.
Dr TAN's balance method
In my practice, I practise the "Core acupuncture Dr Tan" method. This method is simple and its application relieves pain with immediate results. Implemented with anti-inflammatory dietary advice, you will be restored in no time.
Dr TAN, a Taiwanese with a career in the United States, has summarised the principles of traditional Chinese medicine in a logical and relatively simple method.
He was able to test his treatments in clinics for more than 30 years and devoted the second part of his life to transmitting his method through training seminars on the five continents. His goal was to make acupuncture accessible to as many people as possible and enable acupuncturists to achieve good results quickly.
Treatment begins with a diagnosis of the meridians. The patient indicates the exact location of his or her pain. Once the pain point or area is identified, I test different tender points corresponding to different treatment strategy options. I choose the best strategy and the treatment is performed with a minimum of needles.
In summary, Dr TAN also presents his method as "Acupuncture 1, 2, 3", corresponding to 3 basic steps to treat a pain:
- Locate the pain, discomfort, etc. = Identify the diseased/damaged meridian.
- Determining the best strategy = determining the equilibrium meridian
- Pierce the points = identify the sensitive or equilibrium points
This approach, based on ancient scriptures, is innovative because the consistent approach works with very quick results.
The painful area is never pricked. Thus, it can be eased to recover thoroughly.
Diagnostic means such as the pulse or tongue can be used to confirm the choice of strategy.
The success of Dr TAN's method can also be applied to multiple pains or emotional or seasonal problems. The 1-2-3 approach remains the same, but the choice of points is more complex.
Frequency of treatment
Treatment is started intensively, 2 to 3 sessions per week, for 1 to 4 weeks, depending on results. The idea is that the pain does not return between 2 sessions. Once things improve, sessions are staggered for the stabilisation phase at a rate of 1 to 2 sessions per month for 2 to 3 months.
Since 2018, I am certified in Oncology Acupuncture, internationally recognised.
I use it successfully with the latest scientific approach to cancer and with my PNI knowledge. Read the following article, written by TCM Academy Oncology Acupuncture Team:
10 Reasons why Acupuncture is good for treating cancer patients
Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of treatment for cancer patients. This ancient healing method has been used for centuries to support the health and well-being of people dealing with various health problems, including cancer.
Here are 10 reasons why acupuncture is good for treating cancer patients:
- Acupuncture can help relieve the side effects of western treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It can help reduce nausea, fatigue and pain and improve overall quality of life.
- Acupuncture can boost the immune system, which is crucial for cancer patients. By improving immunity, acupuncture can help the body fight infections and diseases, and support the healing process.
- Acupuncture can reduce inflammation in the body, which is a common problem for cancer patients. Inflammation can cause pain, swelling and other symptoms, and can hinder the body's ability to heal. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health and well-being.
- Acupuncture can improve blood circulation, which is essential for cancer patients. By improving blood flow, acupuncture can bring oxygen and nutrients to cells, support the healing process and reduce the risk of complications. Cancer cells do not like oxygen.
- Acupuncture can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which is important for cancer patients. Stress can disrupt the immune system and make it harder for the body to heal. Acupuncture can help patients relax and cope with the challenges of the treatment process.
- Acupuncture can improve sleep, which is crucial for cancer patients. Sleep is essential for the body to repair and regenerate. It is also important for overall health and well-being. Acupuncture can help patients fall asleep more easily and sleep deeper.
- Acupuncture can help with emotional and psychological problems, which are common in cancer patients. The stress and uncertainty of cancer can lead to anxiety, depression and other emotional problems. Acupuncture can help patients cope with these problems and improve/strengthen their overall mental health.
- Acupuncture is a safe and gentle form of treatment, which is important for cancer patients. Many cancer patients are sensitive to drugs and other treatments, and may be at risk of complications. Acupuncture is a low-risk form of care that is well tolerated by most patients.
- Acupuncture can be tailored to the individual needs of each cancer patient. Acupuncture practitioners are trained to assess each patient's unique needs and tailor their treatment accordingly. This personalised approach can ensure that patients receive the most effective care.
- A holistic approach to care around cancer. By including acupuncture in a comprehensive treatment plan, patients can benefit from the best of both worlds and maximise their chances of recovery.
In short, acupuncture is a valuable tool for treating cancer patients. It can help alleviate the side effects of Western treatments, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and improve overall health and well-being. Through a safe, gentle and personalised approach to care, acupuncture can play a valuable role in supporting cancer patients on their road to recovery.
Disclaimer: Acupuncture is a wonderful complementary therapy for cancer patients, but it is not a cure and should not be considered a substitute for regular medical treatment.
Collaboration:
I have built up a very good collaboration with doctors, specialists, osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists