What is Advanced Acupuncture?

Advanced Acupuncture is a comprehensive, highly sophisticated, stand-alone practice using all 68 acupuncture channels in their entirety. It dates back to the fifth century BCE where the Chinese masters used all the channels of Acupuncture.

Advanced Acupuncture differs from Modern Acupuncture, known as TCM, which focuses on selected points on only 12 of the channels. While able to significantly relieve symptoms, these channels cannot reach the root cause or location of chronic illness because they cannot reach the level of the constitution. This is why many people report that they tried acupuncture and found that it didn’t work for them. As the process of restoring the use of all the channels of acupuncture progresses in the profession, more and more acupuncture patients are experiencing the remarkable results that are possible.

The Advanced Acupuncture channels fall into two main categories:

A) Primary Channels responsible for maintaining the day to day functioning of the internal organs.

B) Complement Channels responsible for protecting the internal organs by diverting illness away from them.

The Complement Channels are divided into four classes:

1. Sinew channels that defend the body and enable it to move therefore treating all acute and chronic injuries.

2. Luo channels that treat emotional, psychological and psychiatric disorders.

3. Divergent channels that treat chronic degenerative diseases including arthritis, gynaecological conditions, infertility, UTIs, fibromyalgia, cancer.

4. The 8 Extraordinary channels that treat illnesses that originated in childhood, long term food intolerances, trauma, PTSD, the feeling of being off track.

Step 1 - Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a detailed form that is sent to you before the appointment. On the day of the appointment, further information is gathered through discussion, tongue and pulse diagnosis.

Step 2 - Insertion of needles

Whilst lying flat on the treatment bed, either face up or down, the practitioner will insert very thin needles into the body at specific points. They are not painful as such but can be a little less comfortable in some areas such as the hands and feet.

Step 3 - Time to relax

Depending on what type of treatment is chosen, you will either be left for a little while to relax, breathe and unwind. However, the practitioner may remain in the room with you if the treatment lends itself to being more hands on or, there is a need for quiet meditation to enhance the outcome. A combination of cupping, guasha or magnet therapy may, at times, conclude the treatment.

Step 4 - Post Treatment

Once the needles are removed, you might feel tired, so I recommend taking it easy as the body starts healing. Some people experience an improvement straight away and for others, it can take several treatments.

MicroSystems & Acupuncture

What are microsystems?

In my practise I make use of the microsystems that we know about, which add another layer when tackling certain ailments. Microsystems exist in specific small areas of the body such as the scalp, ear, hands, feet, and abdomen.

Microsystem acupuncture can be defined as a method where focus is given to specific parts of the body that are correlated with various organs and their respective functions within the body. Through the concentration of needles at precise points in a certain area, a 10% increase in results is achieved than with just traditional acupuncture alone.

“The cells of the embryo are continuously folded again and again so the body is like a hologram endlessly reflecting itself. This is why these microsystems exist in areas such as the ear, hand, scalp, and abdomen”

Omayma Laing

Auricular

The ear is a micromap of the entire body, with the whole of the body represented and treated through certain acupoints on the surface of the ear. It is used by practitioners all over the world to treat pain, addictions, and internal disorders with excellent results. This unique microsystem is believed to work through the central nervous system rather than through the Chinese meridians.

Scalp

This microsystem functions rather like auricular acupuncture and Indian head massage to stimulate the cranial nerves and treat conditions in other parts of the body which can improve blood circulation to initiate a distant healing response. It is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, hemiplegia, tremors, breathing difficulties, indigestion, and menstrual pain.

Korean Hand

Korean Hand Therapy (KHT) is a system for awakening the body to health and wellness through your hands. By stimulating specific points on the hands, pain can be resolved and balance restored to internal organ function. KHT is a complete microsystem of acupuncture, with 14 acupuncture meridians and 404 points identified on the hands.

Abdominal

The abdomen is recognized as our second brain. In ancient times, the abdomen was used for diagnosis, today the abdomen is used to treat the entire body. The abdomen has more nerve cells than the brain and spinal cord combined. As a result, it has huge control over our emotional wellbeing, and is particularly important in the regulation of digestion.

Acupuncture Treatment in Edinburgh

I am currently working in 2 different locations in Edinburgh: Bodywell Therapy in Marchmont on Tuesdays and Albany Street Clinic in the New Town on Thursdays. You can book an appointment online or contact me for further information.