Acupuncture South Downs

Menopause and Acupuncture: A Classical Chinese Medicine Perspective

The understanding of reproductive ageing within Chinese medicine extends back more than two thousand years. One of its earliest and most significant descriptions appears in the Huang Di Nei Jing (黃帝內經), or Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, one of the foundational texts of Classical Chinese Medicine.

Unlike the Western medical model, which explains menopause primarily through changes in reproductive hormones, Classical Chinese Medicine considers this transition within a broader understanding of growth, reproduction, ageing, and the changing relationships between the body's physiological systems.

READ MORE: https://acupuncture-westlondon.com/acupuncture-for-menopausal-symptoms

Menopause and Acupuncture: A Classical Chinese Medicine Perspective Acupuncture for Menopausal Symptoms | Menopause is a natural phenomenon defined as 12 consecutive months without a period.

Can acupuncturists treat themselves?
A question I am often asked in clinic is, “do you treat yourself?”
The answer is yes and no. In a pickle, the answer is absolutely, yes! I’ve managed to successfully treat myself for all sorts of things: colds, musculo-skeletal injuries, etc.
However, this question also reminds me of when I asked my mentor this very same question a number of years ago. He replied as follows, something that really resonated with me:

“Only the fool, fixed in his folly, may think he can turn the wheel on which he turns.” T.S. Eliot
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The Mechanism of Action Behind Acupuncture:
The mechanism of action behind acupuncture within a Western Medicine (WM) context remains a constant subject of debate. Chinese Medicine (CM) explains it in terms of managing the flow of Qi through channels or meridians, and balancing Yin and Yang energies within the body. These concepts differ significantly from the Western understanding of physiology and pathophysiology. which are based on anatomical structures, biochemical pathways, and neural signalling.
Within CM, while it may seem strange to be talking about medicine in the context of yin, yang and qi, one must remember that this terminology represents the cultural values and forms a working template for this ancient and powerful medicine—a template that is deeply rooted in a classical language and philosophy that is over two thousand years old. This is no different from how modern WM navigates within its own template and in line with its own cultural values. Neither is wrong; they’re just different. With this in mind, it’s perhaps not surprising that the subjective nature of Qi and the lack of corresponding terminology in WM make it challenging to establish a common ground for research collaboration. But to give us some context, whether we look through the lens of CM or WM, we don’t have all the answers. We can’t define or quantify Qi anymore than we can define consciousness. They are both elusive concepts but inherently undeniable in reality.
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Endometriosis: The Pain We’ve Been Taught to Ignore:

Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK—roughly 1.5 million people—making it one of the most common gynaecological conditions. Yet despite its prevalence, it is often poorly recognised, misunderstood, and frequently delayed in diagnosis. On average, it takes nearly nine years for someone in the UK to receive a diagnosis.

Somewhere along the way, a cultural narrative has taken hold—that periods are supposed to hurt, that this is something to be endured, that it is "just part of life". But this framing does not hold up under scrutiny. Pain of that intensity, especially when it is cyclical and recurring, is not trivial. It is a clinical signal.

When symptoms are repeatedly minimised, patients start to question their own experience. Over time, many women come to accept a level of pain that, in any other context, would be considered clearly abnormal. The focus shifts quickly to management rather than understanding, only to be revisited years later when trying to conceive. This is a systemic failure.

In the treatment of endometriosis, acupuncture takes a personalised approach, recognising that it is a label, not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Treatment isn’t just about short-term pain relief. It also supports the whole system—menstrual cycles, inflammation, sleep, stress, and energy—helping each person manage their symptoms in a way that reflects their individual experience.

READ MORE: https://acupuncture-westlondon.com/endometriosis-the-pain-weve-been-taught-to-ignore/

Endometriosis: The Pain We’ve Been Taught to Ignore | Acupuncture West London Endometriosis: The Pain We’ve Been Taught to Ignore | The treatment of Endometriosis with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

The Emperor and the Root: Heart, Kidneys and the Cost of Burnout.
If the Heart is the Emperor who governs the realm, the Kidneys are the ancestral treasury and waterways that sustain the entire kingdom from below.
Chinese medicine often describes the body as a hierarchical internal landscape. Each organ has a role within a living system of governance. At the highest level sits the Heart, the Emperor, which houses the Shén (spirit) and provides clarity, direction and meaning. Beneath this visible leadership lies a deeper foundation: the Kidneys, which store Jīng (Essence) and regulate the body’s most fundamental resources.
The Kidneys are sometimes described as the waterways of the body. Just as rivers, reservoirs and underground springs distribute water through a landscape, Kidney energy governs the movement and storage of the body’s fluids and deep vitality. These waterways nourish the organs, moisten the tissues, and maintain balance between the body’s warming and cooling forces.
Within this landscape, the Kidneys store Jīng — the Essence inherited from our parents. This Essence determines growth, development, fertility, resilience and the pace at which we age. Unlike many other forms of energy in the body, Jīng is precious and finite. It can be conserved and supported, but not easily replaced.
This is reflected in the pulses. In classical pulse diagnosis, the Heart pulse should be present at the exterior. The Heart expresses itself outwardly through warmth, joy, connection and relationship. It is through the Heart that we interact with the world, form bonds with others, experience meaning, and manifest the blueprint of our life into reality.
The Kidney pulse, by contrast, should be deep and protected. This depth reflects the protected nature of Jīng. Our deepest reserves are not meant to be constantly exposed or spent. They are meant to be guarded, nourished and drawn upon wisely.

READ MORE: https://acupuncture-westlondon.com/the-emperor-and-the-root-heart-kidneys-and-the-cost-of-burnout

The Emperor and the Root: Heart, Kidneys and the Cost of Burnout | Acupuncture West London The Emperor and the Root: Heart, Kidneys and the Cost of Burnout | If the Heart is the Emperor, the Kidneys sustain the kingdom from below.

ARE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES SAFE?

Acupuncture needles are completely safe. They are much finer than those that patients are often used to for drawing blood. Needles are made of stainless steel, are pre-sterilized, come individually wrapped and are single-use. Following each treatment, needles are disposed of safely in sharps containers.

Ben is a fully registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and therefore adheres to their strict code of conduct and safe practice. In this context, you can be sure that you are in the best possible care.

Awakening Insects – Jīngzhé 惊蛰

In ancient China, 24 solar terms, or Jiéqì, existed to guide farmers in agricultural affairs and farming activities throughout the year – each of these periods lasting approximately 15 days. The Jiéqì are based on the sun's position in the zodiac and reflect changes in climate, agricultural production, natural phenomena and other aspects of living.

Jīngzhé 惊蛰, also known as Awakening Insects, is the third solar term. It occurs annually around March 7th and signals a rise in temperature and increased rainfall. Following Jīngzhé, insects hibernating in winter are awakened by spring thunder and a rise in temperature and humidity—the earth coming back to life. It is a crucial time for spring agricultural activities, as is made evident by the following Chinese proverb:

"Once the Awakening of Insects comes, spring ploughing never rests."

Chinese Medicine associates this period with the liver and the spring season, emphasising renewal, movement, and detoxification. Lifestyle and dietary recommendations focus on supporting the body’s adaptation to the seasonal change.

READ MORE @ https://acupuncture-westlondon.com/awakening-insects/

Awakening Insects – Jīngzhé 惊蛰 | Acupuncture West London Today is Jīngzhé 惊蛰, also known as Awakening Insects. Jīngzhé is the third solar term. It occurs annually around March 7th.