Shén versus Shēn: Spirit versus Body? Dissolving the Dichotomy of Acupuncture Therapeutics Teja Jaensch and Suzanne Cochrane Chinese medicine finds itself, as it always has, amongst the flux of ideas, theory and ideology. It is from this flux that the physicians of Chinese medicine must determine their practice. As observers and participants in the varied conversations regarding the true value of Chinese medicine, a continual division presents itself; that between spirit and body. What follows is an analysis and critique of this dichotomy, with the hope that the principle of shén-spirit and shēn-body guides us forwards on the path of Chinese medical efficacy and professionalisation. Read the whole article
Applying the Principle of Harmonising Heart and Kidney in the Treatment of Menopause Syndrome Hong Yan Objective: to observe and evaluate acupuncture results for menopause syndrome. Method: Harmonising Heart and Kidney. Result: total effect 93.33%. Conclusion: to treat both brain and ovaries is an effective methodology for menopause syndrome.
Scalp Acupuncture for the Treatment of Marfan Syndrome: A Case Study Joanne Johnson This case reports the treatment of Marfan syndrome (MFS) using scalp acupuncture. There are challenges in diagnosing genetic conditions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Furthermore, in this case it is difficult to know whether it was the Marfan syndrome or multiple sclerosis that reacted positively to the acupuncture intervention. The patient was diagnosed with both in 2015. Some symptoms of Marfan syndrome and multiple sclerosis appeared to be overlapping (ie muscle stiffness and spasm), symptoms of which may present in both diseases.
Sports Injuries – Improved Healing Processes due to Integrative TCM Therapy Karl Zippelius and Angela Schwarzinger Sport injuries are, both in hobby and professional sport, something that happens regularly. In a worst case scenario they may end a sports career. A fast and painless comeback with a minimum in performance loss is therefore of the highest priority. Integrative TCM therapy to unblock qi and Blood stagnation stimulates healing and shortens recovery time, producing better results than conventional therapy.
The Role of Communication in Traditional Acupuncture: Findings from an exploratory study using thematic qualitative analysis of practitioner interviews Jonquil Westwood Pinto This paper reports on a thematic analysis, semi-structured interview study of practising traditional acupuncturists, with a range of clinical experience and styles of practice. The aim of the study was to gain an insight into how these practitioners communicate Chinese medicine (CM) concepts to Western, English-speaking patients and consider why this communication may be important. Specific methods of communicating CM concepts are reviewed (psychological, metaphorical, somatic and narrative). The report considers how approaches to practitioner-patient communication can have therapeutic benefits and proposes a tentative model of the key types of communication and the therapeutic functions of communication in traditional acupuncture.
How do Acupuncturists Engage with Research in their Practice? Stephanie McGrath By means of semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the meanings and interpretations of research, utilisation of research literature in practice and experience of participation in research studies made by six tradionally based acupuncturists, each with more than ten years clinical experience, were explored. Findings are discussed, and conclusions offered.
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