by Andrew Mitchell

It often seems as though Eastern and Western approaches to health are often at odds with one another. This is not always true. More and more osteopaths are now suggesting that clients try a combination of both practices, fusing Western osteopathy with Eastern acupuncture.

Acupuncture is holistic approach to health that has its origins in China, having been refined and developed evolved over 2000 years. It is based on the philosophy that our health relies on the free flow of our bodys energy ” known as Qi ” through a system of channels that lie beneath our skin. The pathways are all connected to the bodys vital organs, so if the flow of Qi is upset in some way (either by physical illness or emotional disturbances), the health and harmony of our body comes out of balance.

Acupuncture works by placing a number of miniscule needles into specific pressure points in our body that run along the energy pathways under our skin. Not only does this stimulate energy flow and disperse pent-up tensions, but it taps into the bodys own healing response, which is capable of restoring its natural balance.

But what does acupuncture have to do with osteopathy? Acupuncture and osteopathy have very similar philosophies, both view the body and mind as interconnected entities. They both believe a condition can only be cured if you eliminate the root of the problem, rather than merely treating its symptoms, and this is why osteopaths advise patients to do acupuncture in addition to osteopathic treatments.

While some people see acupuncture as simply a way to alleviate pain, it helps heal specific complaints as well as illnesses. Here are some of the problems and conditions that acupuncture can help with:

- High blood pressure and circulatory problems

- Cranial problems, including headaches and migraines

- Respiratory problems. These include asthma, breathlessness, and various others.

- Musculo-skeletal problems, helping soothe pain in the muscles and joints. Deals with many osteopathic problems such as arthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, and stiffness in the knees and neck.

- Allergies

- Insomnia or difficulties relaxing

A lot of patients have also expressed that acupuncture has given them gives a better sense of wellbeing ” improving their energy levels, vitality, and overall health.

People are often apprehensive about acupuncture because needles are involved. Therapists reassure their clients by explaining that the needles used for acupuncture are not the same as those they use at the doctors office for injections. They are a lot finer and do penetrate the body very different ways. While everyone responds to pain differently, many do not find the experience painful at all.

Some people are convinced western medication is the only option. Others strongly believe eastern healing practices are the best solution. There does not always have to be a choice between the two. For people in chronic pain or with enduring anxiety problems, fusing eastern and western approaches might be the best solution to feeling healthy, happy, and whole.

About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of the Osteopath Network, writes articles about osteopathy, osteopaths, Leeds osteopath, back pain, neck pain, injury management. Andrew is interested in many aspects of alternative medicine.

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