Mobile: 07794 844196
  East Norwich Acupuncture
  • Home
  • TREATMENTS
    • About Your Treatment
    • General Health Issues
    • Pain & Injury
  • PRICES & PACKAGES
  • Contact Me
    • Reviews
  • Blog

How does Acupuncture Work?

6/5/2020

0 Comments

 
This is probably the most common question I get asked. My immediate thought is always ‘why does it matter?’

Is that rude? I don’t mean it to be. But, I don’t ask the doctor how my antibiotics work or how the heart medication my Dad takes works. I just trust that the doctors know what they are doing and that these things are tried and tested.

So what is it about Acupuncture that makes people so curious? It’s certainly been tried and tested! Acupuncture has been around for over 2000 years, we know this as manuscripts have been found which document treatment protocols that are still used today and these refer to even older writings! So we can be pretty confident that a practice that has been around for such a long time could only have survived if it was successful.

I wonder if the curiosity comes from the fact that it’s so far away from the Western medicine that we are all familiar with.  In Eastern medicine the body is viewed as many interconnecting systems - each relying on the other, each reducing or increasing the role or influence of the other.  What does this mean though?

It was the Chinese elders many many years ago, living in complete harmony with nature and their surroundings (much like we all must have done once) who were able to map the bodies' systems, organs and the connected pathways between them (we now know this to be connective tissue or fascia). Quite how they did this with no x-rays or MRI machines is a bit of a mystery! An interesting fact as well,  is that they did not perform human dissection either!

These communication pathways or Channels, as they are referred to in Acupuncture, connect the organs with each other and cover the whole body from the finger tips to the top of the head. Each Channel has many important and influential junctions along its length, these are where the Acupuncture points are found, there are 365 major points.  It’s at these points we are able to influence the behaviour of the Energy which  flows within.  We refer to this as Energy as Qi, which translates to 'life force' .

When we treat a client we try to understand what is happening holistically and which Channels are involved - very rarely is there one thing going on.  If we want to control an Excessive condition such as allergies, where the body is over reacting to a given stimulus, then we needle the appropriate points in a Reducing direction (reducing the Energy in that Channel) and if we want to increase the Energy in the Channel for a Deficient condition such as lower back pain, we needle in the Reinforcing direction (increasing the Energy flowing thru that Channel). We always complement any Reducing needles with Reinforcing needles in another Channel so that we do not deplete the Client's Qi, but build it up where necessary to aid recovery.

I like to think the needles 'talk' to the body and help to 'reset' it where needed, bringing it back into balance. If you would like to know more and think that Acupuncure may be able to help you, please do get in touch. 

Picture
0 Comments

Lower Back Pain & the Kidneys

20/4/2020

0 Comments

 
Following on from my last post, here's some more advise for Lower Back Pain and how we associate it with the Kidneys.

Number one absolute No No for Lower Back Pain is to put ice or anything cold on it!
The Kidneys are in this area and the Kidneys hate being cold! I'm sure some you were told by your Gran to wear a vest, well there's good reason for that it's to keep your kidneys warm! So if you are in pain it's much better to use a warm hot water bottle and place that in your lower back, a warming patch, gel or soothing hot bath are good ideas too. I use Epsom salts in a bath for aching muscles.

You will know specifically what triggers your back pain but some things to avoid which could exacerbate it are, sitting for too long, particularly in a car - if you have to sit try taking a break regularly to get up and walk around

In Chinese medicine the Kidneys control the composition of the bones, particularly the lumbar vertebrae, depletion of the Kidneys caused by overwork, illness, pregnancy and even a high sex drive can cause Lower Back Pain! Therefore during an Acupuncture treatment for Lower Back Pain we strengthen the Kidneys using specific acupuncture points and cupping. The number of sessions required varies from client to client but generally this area responds so well to acupuncture that a condition which might have been causing you so much pain for such a long time can be dramatically improved with only 4 or 5 sessions, getting you back to your life :-)

An interesting little phenomenon is that Black is the colour of the Kidneys and we often find people who have health problems associated with the Kidneys or who are very depleted have black circles under their eyes too.
Picture
0 Comments

Acupuncture for  the Immune System

12/3/2020

0 Comments

 
We all are very aware at the moment of the importance of taking care of our health.  Along with personal hygiene we should be ensuring we are doing all we can to keep our immune systems strong. And there are a number of ways you can do this, acupuncture being one of them.
As we know a lot of contractible illness are caught thru the nose or mouth, and pass directly to our airway to our lungs. Our first defence is our Wei Qi, this is the Qi energy which circulates just beneath our skin and regulates sweating and immunity.
It is dependent on lung function, therefore we strengthen lung function which can be compromised by a number of factors, such as asthma, seasonal allergies, heart conditions and lack of exercise. As we view all aspects of care holistically we don’t just look to strengthen the lungs in isolation. The lungs are linked to many other systems within the body such as the heart, kidneys and digestive system so it is important to strengthen these too so that the immune system can function at its best.
There are many simple things you can to do improve your immune system and boost your Wei qi;
  • Regular acupuncture treatments – research has shown acupuncture can increase white blood cells and regulate the immune system
  • A cool shower once a day
  • Exercise outside
  • A good sleep routine
  • A healthy diet
  • Try to manage stress levels, and balance working hours with time off
  • Avoid unnecessary antibiotics, antihistamines and sinus medication
  • If you are ill, make sure you rest and give yourself time to recover
  • Increase your Vitamin D & C
 
Photo by Olia Nayda on Unsplash
Picture
0 Comments

Acupuncture for Menopausal Symptoms

25/11/2016

1 Comment

 
So many women (up to 50%) suffer with hot flushes, these are usually attributed to the changes that our bodies go thru when we reach menopausal age. 
What causes them?
Changes in hormone levels (increased Gonadotropins) can cause night sweats and day time hot flushes in addition to other unwanted side effects such as disturbed sleep, depression and headaches. Not much is actually understood about the aetiology of hot flushes, Western medicine believes that an increase in Gonadotropins is to blame.  These are vital to the normal function of our endocrine system which is responsible for growth, sexual development and our reproduction functions.
There are other explanations which involve the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain that controls temperature. It is thought that when hormone levels drop, as part of the menopause, the hypothalamus wrongly thinks you are too hot sending more blood to the skin and causing the body to sweat to cool the skin down!!
What does TCM think?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine we look at these symptoms slightly differently, whilst acknowledging that this decline in the bodies’ resources is a natural part of a women’s life.  The bodies energy (Qi) and Blood are no longer needed to power reproduction and instead are concentrated on maintaining vitality into later life, this can sometime cause an imbalance which needs assistance to right itself.
Of the systems involved the Kidneys are of greatest importance, these are responsible for a great many things in Chinese medicine, such as;
  • Storing Jing (this the original Qi) controls birth, development, reproduction and growth
  • Produces marrow and Rules the bones
  • Rule Water and Water metabolism
  • Is the residence of willpower
Therefore when problems with menopause start it’s usually rooted in a Kidney Deficiency issue. By strengthening the Kidneys we can restore balance and reduce the number and the severity of many symptoms.  The Kidneys have a cooling and nourishing action, and therefore help with symptoms such as dry skin and hot flushes.  They also ‘rule the bones’ so it is vital to keep the Kidneys strong to ensure bone health and reduce the likelihood of early osteoporosis.
Another area which acupuncture can help greatly with is emotional wellbeing. During a significant time of change many women experience mood swings, stress and disturbed sleep patterns. Most people find acupuncture a very relaxing experience and treatments can be tailored to encompass all of the individual symptoms that a women might be feeling.
What else can you do to help?
Other ways to help are ensuring you have a healthy balanced diet and not to eat too much cold or raw food.  One very good thing to try is Bone Broth, this old fashioned recipe can be found in many cultures, it has a strengthening and nourishing effect on a number of the key systems – Kidneys, Liver, Lungs and Spleen.  You can find out more about this and the recipe here on my website; http://www.eastnorwichacupuncture.co.uk/blog/nourishing-bone-broth
It is also important not to over exert yourself, exercise is beneficial so make sure you do some regularly, but do not over do it! Get plenty of rest and keep well hydrated.
If you would like to find out whether acupuncture can help you, call me for an informal chat on 07794 844196 or email me at coletteogle@sky.com
 
Recent studies/articles;
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279714.php
https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Acupuncture+and+Menopause
 
to edit.
1 Comment

Acupuncture to relieve Pain 

29/3/2016

2 Comments

 

I thought I would start to share with you some details on some of the intersting cases I have been privileged to help with.
So heres the first case;
19 yr old female
Medical diagnosis: scar tissue caused by possible trauma, enlarged blood vessel underneath. An MRI found no serious issues or reasons for problem.

Seeking treatment for: Painful area on upper thigh area which has a visible dip, feels stuck to underlying tissue and is gradually increasing in size.  Client reported no trauma that she could recall. Doctors & specialist were unable to ascertain the cause or suggest any treatment.

Using a traditional technique called 'Surrounding the Dragon' needles are place all around the effected area. Needles for moving Blood and Qi were also added LI4 and LIV3, are known as the 4 Gates.
After needles were left in place for 40 mins. a technique called cupping was used. In this case a small silicone cup was moved up and down over the area for a few mins using oil to ensure smooth  movement.


After the 1st treatment the pain had reduced, after the 2nd treatment the pain had gone completely!  In the following weeks the problem area started to reduce in size with each treatment, it became much softer and continued to be pain free. After 5 treatments we stopped treating that area and will only return to it if necessary.  
(case details shared with approval from very happy client)

Picture
Picture
2 Comments

Acupuncture for Costochondritis

20/8/2015

0 Comments

 
So the shoe was on the other foot recently! Or should that be the needle was in the other back!! He he! 
What am ! talking about?  Well I found myself being the patient and at a colleague’s acupuncture clinic earlier last week. I recently had a renewed bout of Costochondritis which was getting me down, and after going to the docs last year and being told to take pain killers I knew acupuncture could be more effective at getting to the root cause of the problem.

Costochondritis is a very painful condition, it is where the cartilage between the ribs and sternum becomes inflamed. In my case the pain mainly occurs first thing in the morning, my whole rib cage is sore with stabbing type pains when I move, this is painful enough to wake me up and I just can’t get comfortable!  The only relief is to get up, and then it gradually subsides, unfortunately sometimes this is at 5.30am!!

The causes are basically unknown, inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to infection, irritation or injury, so any of these factors could be contributory. In my case I couldn’t find a specific reason in Western medical terms, so I looked to Traditional Chinese Medicine for the answers.


The main organ involved in TCM diagnosis would be the Liver. The Liver is affected by anger and frustration, which in themselves can be caused by fear. Emotions are believed to have a dramatic effect on health, in TCM the mind & body are not separated but have a direct influence on each other.  Added to the nature of the Liver, are its functions: -

* Stores the Blood – the Liver controls the flow of Blood to the muscles and sinews during activity, and its return at times of rest
* Maintains the Smooth Flow of Qi - If the free flow of the qi is stagnated by the liver, the blood will in turn stagnate as well leading to pain
*
Controls Tendons & Sinews – nourishing the tendons, any Liver deficiency or Qi stagnation will result in tendons and sinews being weak leading to numbness or the dysfunction of joints.


So having ‘diagnosed’ myself (which isn’t always wise!) with Liver Qi Stagnation I wanted to get a second opinion and also being acutely aware that  I would not be able to needle all the points required, I headed over to see the lovely Rebecca Geanty @ The Acupuncture Rooms.


She agreed with my diagnosis (phew!) but also pointed out my general Qi deficiency, which I knew about but hadn’t factored in (this is why its not wise to treat yourself, as stated earlier!) this meant that my Kidneys and Spleen both needed strengthening as well as getting my Qi moving, to deal with the Stagnation.

So after having our consultation and general discussion about how fab acupuncture was, I lay on the treatment bed and was ready to become completely relaxed. I’m not going to lie I did feel a few of the needles, but not in a really painful way, just a jolt or a sting or scratch, each one was different! Then once they were all in I was left to relax. It was great I have to say have someone else look after me for a change!

In the following week I did feel a decrease in the severity of the pain and also how early in the morning I was being effected.  So we are on the right path, just need to a have a few more treatments, 3 or 4 should do it I would think.

I’ll keep you posted.


If you are suffering with Costochondritis then give me a call on 07794 844196 to see how acupuncture can help

0 Comments

Setting Expectations

16/8/2015

0 Comments

 
This is a great video explaining what I see all the time in my clinic. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, and is a journey which needs commitment.  Its a great feeling for both client and practitioner when we start to see the results and health is restored.
0 Comments

GREAT NEWS!

14/8/2015

0 Comments

 
Due to the continuing popularity of the Saturday multi-bed I am now offering a Monday multi-bed.

Hooray!

Now you can get the same great Acupuncture treatment for an affordable price right up to 8pm every Monday.

All conditions accepted. See Prices & Packages page for more details

Picture
0 Comments

Latest Client Review

12/8/2015

0 Comments

 
Colette is amazing! I went to her and explained several issues that were effecting me... she listened and talked through how best to treat the problems areas.. much more attentively than the Dr listened I might add.. It was refreshing, however I wasn't entirely sure what to expect results wise as I had never had acupuncture before. So after the first session, I was happily amazed that one proble...m was resolved practically overnight! been to 2nd session today and working on sciatica relief now... I really am impressed and would definitely recommend acupuncture as a treatment for others in the same boat as me.. in particular I would recommend Colette at East Norwich Acupuncture.. as she really makes you feel at ease and wants to help you :-) Thankyou!! 

From Missy Dunning

see original here on my fb page : https://www.facebook.com/YangTreeHealth/reviews
0 Comments

Acupuncture for Horse Riders

8/7/2015

0 Comments

 
This guy knows what he's talking about! And we know as riders that riding can often take quite a toll on our bodies!  Acupuncture is a natural and effect way to help the body heal and balance the systems for optimum health.

Being aware of how 'well' you are can really help your horse!

http://www.michelesiemionlac.com/acupuncture-for-horseback-riders/

Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Hi I'm Colette Ogle owner of EAST Norwich Acupuncture, and I want to share with you interesting snip-its, reviews and news on TCM, Acupuncture and general  ways  in which you can improve your health. I hope you find these informative and helpful, if you would like to see more of a certain topic, just let me know.

    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    November 2016
    March 2016
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014

    Categories

    All
    Case Studies
    Cupping
    Facial Rejuvenation
    General Health Conditions
    News & Client Information
    Newsletters
    Pain & Injury

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.