Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses very thin, sterile, single-use needles placed at selected points on the body.

The choice of points depends on the main reason for the visit as well as the broader pattern observed during the consultation.

Before selecting acupuncture points, I carry out a detailed consultation and always assess the tongue and pulse.

Depending on the situation, acupuncture may be used on its own or combined with other approaches such as auriculotherapy, moxibustion or Chinese herbal medicine.

People commonly choose acupuncture when they are looking for support in areas such as:

• musculoskeletal tension and discomfort,

• headaches,

• stress and emotional tension,

• sleep difficulties,

• digestive complaints,

• menstrual-cycle related discomfort,

• low energy or fatigue,

• general imbalance and reduced well-being.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest branches of Chinese medicine.

Despite the common name “Chinese herbs”, Chinese materia medica traditionally includes a wider range of natural substances, although plant-based ingredients form the main part of modern practice.

Herbs are classified in Chinese medicine according to features such as:

• thermal nature – for example cold, cool, neutral, warm or hot,

• flavour,

• direction of action,

• affinity with particular functional systems,

• the way in which the herb has been prepared or processed.

Herbal formulas usually contain several carefully selected ingredients rather than one single herb. The formula may also be modified over time as the overall pattern changes.

Before suggesting a herbal formula, I take into account:

• current symptoms,

• medicines,

• supplements,

• other herbal products,

• allergies,

• relevant health conditions,

• pregnancy or breastfeeding, where applicable.

Herbal products are not automatically safe simply because they are natural, and potential herb–drug interactions need to be considered.

I work only with specialist herbal suppliers where the quality and purity of herbal materials are regularly monitored.

Depending on the formula, you may either:

• purchase the recommended herbs from a specialist herbal supplier, or

• have the herbal supplier prepare the formula according to the agreed composition.

The formula may be prepared as:

• raw herbs for a traditional decoction,

• concentrated granules,

• ready-made traditional pills, tablets or capsules,

• or, where available, a ready-prepared herbal decoction.

Auriculotherapy – Ear Acupuncture

Auriculotherapy uses selected points on the external ear.

The ear is regarded as a microsystem containing points and areas associated with different parts and functions of the body.

Modern auriculotherapy developed strongly in Europe in the 20th century, particularly through the work of the French physician Paul Nogier, while ear acupuncture also forms part of Chinese acupuncture traditions.

During a session, selected points may be stimulated with:

• very fine acupuncture needles,

• small semi-permanent needles,

• seeds or other forms of gentle pressure.

When auriculotherapy is part of a Chinese medicine consultation, the choice of points is based on the wider picture gathered during the consultation, including the tongue and pulse assessment, which I perform routinely.

Auriculotherapy may be used on its own or combined with body acupuncture during the same visit.

Dietary Guidance According to Chinese Medicine

Food has an important place in Chinese medicine.

The emphasis is not on following one strict diet or eliminating the same foods for everyone.

Instead, Chinese dietary principles consider:

• what you eat,

• when you eat,

• whether meals are warm or cold,

• how food is prepared,

• portion size,

• eating habits,

• season,

• individual constitution and current pattern.

Foods are traditionally described according to their thermal nature, flavours and their relationship with Yin and Yang and the Five Phases.

For example, raw and chilled foods are generally considered more cooling and Yin in character, while long-cooked, baked or warming foods shift more towards Yang and warmth.

This does not mean that raw foods are “bad” or cooked foods are always “good”.

One person may feel well after salads and fresh fruit, while another may experience bloating, loose stools, feeling cold or a drop in energy after eating a large amount of raw food.

I also pay attention to everyday eating habits, including:

• meal timing,

• eating late at night,

• regularity,

• eating in a hurry,

• chewing,

• portion size,

• the balance between raw and cooked food,

• the way meals are prepared.

During every first consultation I ask about eating habits.

Where useful, I provide practical dietary and lifestyle suggestions based on Chinese medicine that can be incorporated into normal everyday life.

You do not need to eat Chinese food to follow Chinese dietary principles.

Polish and European foods – soups, grains, root vegetables, cabbage, apples, pears, legumes, eggs and many other familiar products – can all be considered within the same framework.