Neoclassical Acupuncture (NCA) is probably one of the most interesting developments in Acupuncture in recent years. The founder, Slate Burris, spent several years experimenting with the points and meridians, and discovered a very interesting system within the body, which likely was known in ancient China.
It is important to note that this system is still evolving, so exciting new methods are likely to emerge.
How it works
NCA incorporates parts of the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but it uses a simpler approach. Rather than looking for patterns of disharmony or organ deficiencies, it focuses more on blocks and recreating balance. It is closer in some ways to Japanese Acupuncture.
Within his system, there are several different areas of focus, examining the meridians and searching for any blocks that are present. The basis of determining where there are imbalances are primarily via palpation of the limbs and abdomen. Where it is sore or sensitive provides evidence for where issues are present. Additional points exist in the chest as well as back, but palpation is key. Reading tongues and pulses, seen in TCM and 5 Element are not used.
Upon treatment, the soreness and sensitivity within the abdomen and limbs will often change very quickly, indicating the right treatment has been chosen.
Method
Once I have determined where there are blocks or imbalances, I generally will use one needle on an acupuncture point. This will then be left in for a period of time, followed by what are called ‘sweepers’ at the end, which help to clear any energy which has become dislodged or hasn’t fully cleared. Sometimes I will leave more than one needle in, depending on how the body has responded.
The beauty of this method is that it is very simple, and one needle will, in general, help resolve many of the symptoms which a patient presents with. For those who prefer fewer needles, this system can be quite appealing.
Results
Using this treatment patients have found their pain change quite literally on the table, and often do not need extended treatment to find improvement in their symptoms.
Examples
A recent case was a lady suffering from vestibular migraines, causing alot of dizziness, which hadn't been helped by conventional means. She had been suffering for around a year or so. After the first session, the dizziness improved significantly. After the second, it was gone, and has not needed to return since.
Another example was a patient dealing with insomnia due to the menopause. After one treatment, the insomnia was gone and has not returned.
One of the most inspiring is that of a woman who was suffering from a herniated disc, and could barely walk on crutches. After one hour, the pain was gone and she was able to walk again. Now its important to note, although this was impressive, a herniated disc will take several months to fully heal, so in this case she did need repeat treatments, as the pain did return. However every time it returned, it was less than before, so there was a permanant improvement occurring with the acupuncture. The fact we were able to deal with the pain so effectively and quickly is what for me, has always stuck in my mind about this particular case.
In a future post I will go more indepth into NCA, but this provides a taste of what it is, and I why I particularly like using it.
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