Dr. Ken Loo is a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor, Acupuncturist, Hypnotherapist, Energy Healer and Aromatherapist.
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. It is complemented and supported by the use of moxibustion, a form of heat therapy, that provide relief from ailments.
Acupuncture is a very ancient form of healing which has been used for more than 5,000 years. It is one of the greatest medical systems in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is widely recognised for treating a multitude of physical problems as well as mental health conditions.
The theory of TCM believes that mental and physical health are as a whole. They will affect each other in one way or another. According to TCM, our body consists of physical health, energy (qi) and spirit, meaning on the physical level, functional level and psychological level.
TCM records show that “A great doctor can treat emotional and spirit problems”. Therefore, TCM physicians of today who hold excellent medical skills in treating emotional and spirit problems are also recognised as “Great Doctor”.
Hence, regardless whether one is an ancient or modern TCM physician, all TCM physicians consider psychological and mental factors to be very important in acupuncture treatment.
How can acupuncture help to address emotional issues?
Toss away all emotional garbage
“Emotional garbage” is created when emotions arise and lead to blockages within channels (meridians) in the body. It will trigger a reaction in our body and cause symptoms like wind, phlegm, cold, heat, blood stasis and so on.
By dredging the meridians and getting rid of emotional garbage, it helps to regulate emotions within one’s body and mind and one will feel a sense of calmness. The acupoint Shousanli (手三里穴) and Zhongzhu (中诸穴) helps to alleviate symptoms of depression and feeling low by effectively clearing the garbage energy from negative emotions.
Harmonise your emotions
Physical discomfort can be caused by many reasons such as stress, unhealthy daily routines, worries and obstacles in life which can lead to dysfunction and imbalances to our overall body system.
When our body lacks proper care, it may cause discomfort throughout the day. It is more likely that this will cause us to be emotionally disturbed and moody. Acupuncture on certain acupoints which correspond to particular organs is the way to balance the organ functions. It is very useful for promoting circulation, metabolism and relieve health conditions.
Neiguan and Zhusanli acupoints help to invigorate “qi” and nourish the blood, improve spleen and stomach function, strengthen our vital energy and blood biochemistry, circulation and immunity and helps to soothe emotions.
Finding a balance between Yin and Yang
When either heat or cold is present excessively in the body, these symptoms can cause disharmony in our body’s Yin and Yang.
When it is too heaty, this can result in impairment of the body fluids and make us prone to irritability. The lack of heat on the other hand, changes the body and makes it easier to catch a cold. Cold arises due to a deficiency of qi and blood. This internal cold will stagnate the circulation of the Yang energy and cause a lack in vitality and endurance. Thus, the ability to cope with job stress, as well as emotional management will decrease.
In addition, a feverish sensation around the head and cold feet are common health issues for modern people. Some have restless fever on hands, feet and chest area and all these are symptoms of Yin deficiency. The above are due to the manifestations of the Yin and Yang disharmony.
A healthy body should feel “light with warm feet”, this allows us to easily fall asleep and promote sleep quality. Reinforcing and reducing are both acupuncture skills that help to harmonise the Yin and Yang in the meridian channels. “Hegu” and “Quchi” acupoints are acupoints for this effect.
To make the mind and spirit calm
Acupuncture Therapy enable patients to have peace of mind. By moving the qi and blood in the meridians and avoid the qi runaway from the meridian channel. Treatment of the spirit is treatment for the psychological and mental level. This can bring a clear conscious will, calm the mental, emotion and soul and concurrently helps the qi and blood return to harmony.
In addition, acupuncture therapy also helps to manoeuver the potential of resisting the defence system helping the body to recuperate well.
During the acupuncture session, a skilled acupuncturist will provide additional psychological counselling to the patient. This is in line with Suggestive Therapy in Medical psychology. “Yintang”, “Baihui”, “Shenmen” acupoints are major acupuncture points to calm and soothe the mind.
