The effect of good acupuncture, however, is to do more than simply cure the symptom.
Acupuncture directed at restoring the overall energy balance will deal with the condition and also help the patient feel better in a general way. Hence the frequent comment, "I’m feeling better in myself", which refers to such things as increased energy and vitality, greater enjoyment of life, greater confidence, better sleep or more normal appetite.
This approach, where the whole person as well as the symptom is taken into consideration, is referred to as traditional acupuncture. It is contrasted with the symptomatic approach which uses treatment formulae for specific conditions and where no heed is paid to the overall energy balance.
Diagnosing and treating the person - rather than the disease - is particularly appropriate in two cases. There are some people who feel quite unwell in themselves but do not have a sufficiently serious or ’physical’ complaint to present themselves as ’sick.’ Traditional acupuncture can diagnose the imbalance and restore well-being without the person having a named condition.
Many patients also come to an acupuncturist for preventive treatment. An acupuncturist can often detect and treat an energy imbalance before the patient is aware of any symptoms. The aim is to maintain health rather than overcoming a specific condition. |
