Health and disease – an acupuncture perspective
Chinese medicine regards health as a dynamic equilibrium of energies. A healthy person can adapt to continuous demands and changes both internally and externally. When the balance cannot naturally be restored disease occurs. Acupuncture helps to restore the underlying balance of energy, thus resolving the symptoms of disease. Acupuncture is also used as a preventative and maintenance medicine.
Imbalance or illness arises from a complex combination of factors. These can be divided into broad categories, all of which will be assessed by the acupuncturist when dealing with the presenting complaint.
Hereditary/Constitution: Traits which to a certain extent determine the limits of one’s health.
State of Mind/Emotions: stress, worry, anxiety, fear, resentment, anger, grief – each emotion has a specific effect on the balance of health.
Diet: the poor quality and low nutritive value of processed food is an important cause of disease. Irregular eating and ones state of mind whilst eating are also important factors that can lead to illness.
External Conditions: environmental conditions such as wind, heat, cold, damp, and dryness are common causal factors of disease.
Trauma: injuries at all levels – physical, emotional and mental.
Drugs: From coffee, alcohol and “pleasure” drugs, to some medicinal drugs with their unwelcome side effects. The use of medical drugs can often be reduced as acupuncture treatment progresses.
Wisdom Pearls: