Gillie Hamann

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of medicine involving the insertion of very fine needles into the skin. It originated in China, probably around 3000 years ago, although the first document to systematically describe it is the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, dating from around 100BC. It is based on the meridian system – a series of pathways running throughout the body – by means of which ‘Qi’, the vital energy, is distributed. These meridians can be accessed at various points along the pathways.

Sometimes Qi can become blocked, due to physical or emotional trauma. The compromised flow can lead to some areas of the body or functional systems becoming deficient in energy, while other areas/functional systems suffer from an excess of Qi. Acupuncturists stimulate points along the pathway in order to clear blockages and improve the circulation of Qi, thereby restoring balance to the system.

People’s energy reserves can also become depleted as a result of stress, lifestyle or prolonged illness. Acupuncturists use the meridian system and acupuncture points to encourage the body to restore itself to optimal functioning.

Why have acupuncture?

Gillie does not believe that acupuncture can or should replace allopathic medical services. If people are experiencing acute illness or very troubling symptoms, she would encourage them to contact their general practitioner.

However, as many people contend with conditions that significantly compromise their quality of life, yet struggle to get any support from mainstream medical services, she feels that acupuncture has a growing role to play in our society. It is able to address issues such as insomnia, anxiety, menopausal symptoms, as well as the pain associated with arthritis or back strain, without the risk of side effects or dependence associated with some medications. It can also support individuals with the side effects of medication when they do need the support of allopathic medicine, either as a result of cancer or other acute or chronic illnesses. It can fill the void when conventional treatment ends, and individuals are left to deal with the psychological and physical consequences of traumatic illness or injury.

Unfortunately, medical services are overstretched and can often seem unresponsive to health care issues that are not immediately life threatening. There can also be a frustratingly long wait for treatment. Acupuncture is a relatively affordable and readily available form of therapy that can make a significant difference to people’s health and sense of well-being.

What happens during an appointment?

Gillie will first take a medical history and ask about current health concerns. In order to get a full picture of a person’s constitutional tendencies, as well as clues to the aetiology of disease, it is helpful to know about any previous major illnesses or accidents. In the case of women, it can be useful to get an idea of their gynaecological history. However, patients do not have to disclose any information they would rather withhold, and do not have to discuss anything that makes them uncomfortable. During the consultation, it is important for Gillie to discuss the patient’s expectations, and to understand their priorities with regards to treatment.

Gillie will then look at the patient’s tongue and feel the pulses on the wrists. The colour, shape and size of the tongue, as well as the colour and quality of the tongue coating, can give an indication of the state of the internal organs. The strength and quality of the pulse reflects the relative quantity of Qi in the various meridians. All this information will influence which acupuncture points will be most useful during treatment. She may also palpate the meridians or certain acupuncture points, and examine any areas of tenderness or muscular injury. In cases of back or shoulder pain, she may use Chinese massage techniques to release the muscles. These involve the use of plastic or silicone cups which create suction on the skin and tissues, resulting in increased blood flow to the area. Lastly, she will insert several needles which will be retained for 20-30 minutes while the patient relaxes.

Many of the most commonly used acupuncture points are located below the elbows and knees and can be accessed with the patient fully dressed in loose clothing. However, it is sometimes beneficial to use points on the upper legs and arms, back or torso. In this case, Gillie may ask the patient if they are happy to remove clothing and be covered with a towel.

The patient remains totally in control. If they do not wish to remove clothing, Gillie will use alternative points.

Gillie does not see the patient as a passive recipient of treatment. Her treatment will reflect their priorities and will remain sensitive to their needs. Moreover, while there may be aspects of their lives that are beyond their control, sometimes small lifestyle changes can make a measurable difference to well-being.