We are constantly being given advice on the media, often contradictory, about what, or what not, to do, eat and drink.
In the Chinese Medicine system we look at each person individually to see how the ageing process is affecting them and treat accordingly.
Commonly reported problems associated with ageing are aches and pains, memory loss, lack of stamina, lower libido, sleep disturbances, mobility issues due to arthritis or injuries which are slow to heal.
Often treatment involves supporting the declining Yin and Yang and stimulating the circulation. This can help in many ways, aiding the natural processes and helping nutrients to reach all parts of the body and brain, enabling the cells to regenerate and slowing down the ageing process.
Recent studies have shown that acupuncture can enhance hippocampal connectivity (which plays a crucial role in memory processes) in Alzheimer’s disease patients. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24603951).
Other acupuncture studies have also shown enhanced connectivity of brain regions in stroke and Alzheimer’s patients (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24734113 and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24734108).
Acupuncture has long been used to reduce and control pain to bring about a better quality of life.
As regards looking good, the more recent field of cosmetic acupuncture/facial rejuvenation has grown from the observation that when people are receiving treatment for other conditions, a side effect is that they can start to look really well, and report that friends and family are asking what their secret is.
Altogether, I believe that acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can make that difference that makes the second half of life the most enjoyable.
“Age is opportunity no less,
Than youth itself, though in another dress,
And as the evening twilight fades away,
The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day.”
Henry Wordsworth Longfellow, Morituri Salutamus
By Gillian Price, who practices acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine at Shine, Church Street.
