Acupuncture and the treatment of addictions - a complementary therapist’s view
This article is written by the complementary therapist about the role of acupuncture in the treatment of addictions. Not all of the views expressed here are universally accepted.
Addiction: a dysfunctional or maladaptive behaviour, which affects a person's function in any area of life.
Acpuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is a holistic therapy based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a framework used to understand the functioning of the human body and illness, based on thousands of years of observation.
TCM uses concepts such as the balance of Qi (energy or vital force), Blood, Yin (cooling/nourishing functions), Yang (warming/moving functions) and the system of the internal organs to understand and treat a large variety of conditions.
The Five Elements
The Five Element system is part of TCM and is based on the interaction of 5 linked energies or qualities (wood, fire, earth, metal and water), which in turn correspond to seasons, tastes, smells, organs etc. Similar to the idea of Yin and Yang, when these are in balance, the body is free of disease.
Types of addiction
Chemical addictions
These include recreational drugs (amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis, heroin, alcohol, nicotine, refined sugar and caffeine).
In TCM terms, recreational drugs are typically hot in nature, stimulating Qi and blood to move, dispersing them. Continual use damages the constitution and Yin, creating a pattern of Yin deficiency with empty heat - the empty heat creates cravings, aggression, nervousness and feelings of instability. Sustained use will lead to chronic kidney and liver Yin deficiency as well as patterns of Qi and Yang deficiency.
Within the Five Element system each of these substances have resonance's with an element e.g. alcohol - wood, nicotine - fire, amphetamines - fire, ecstasy - fire, cocaine - metal, cannabis - wood, heroin - water, refined sugar - earth, caffeine - wood. This can be a useful pointer in treating the underlying imbalances.
Behavioural addictions
These can include gambling, compulsive lying, danger seeking, sex-addiction, and obsessive exercise. The Five Element system within TCM can also be used to give insights into the underlying causes thus aiding treatment.
How can acupuncture help?
Whether the nature of the addiction is chemical, such as in cases of substance abuse, alcohol dependency, food addiction and smoking, or behavioural like gambling, compulsive lying or sex addiction, acupuncture can help to address the root problems and imbalances in the body to provide a gentle but effective solution. The initial consultation will determine which patterns are involved in the condition and based on this a diagnosis is formed.
Treatment is aimed at helping the person to cope with the cravings, aid the detoxification process (if the addiction is chemical) and supporting them towards making a permanent change with constitutional treatment. Acupuncture treatment will include both auricular and body points.
The addictive cycle
The Five Element system can be a useful way to understand and treat the underlying imbalances behind addictive behaviour. Earth is seen as the balance in the centre, which can be disrupted by imbalances in any of the other elements. In this case the elements correspond to motivators such as desire, identity, aspiration and non-existence.
As balance is restored, the drivers behind the addictive behaviour can become less powerful.
In terms of TCM, as the organs become more supported, balance starts to be restored. In the case of the chemical addictions, the empty heat is cleared and the Yin of the body is nourished making the cravings fade.
How long is a typical course of treatment?
Acupuncture is an effective and gentle therapy. The amount of treatment will vary depending on the individual, however an initial course should be 6-10 weekly treatments for a noticeable therapeutic change to be observed.
Important: Addictions can be very complex sometimes requiring a multi-therapeutic approach. Acupuncture can be very effective; however it is important to continue with conventional medical treatment and always to seek advice from your GP regarding any change in your condition.
About the author
Harry Sweetman, Lic. Ac. M.B.Ac.C, graduated from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (Reading) in 1996 and has been an acupuncturist in the Sussex area since 1998. He is an experienced and enthusiastic practitioner, whose aims are to work closely with other health care professionals to deliver a high standard of primary healthcare to the community. He currently practices at the Physio Therapy Centre in Haywards Heath and also has a clinic in Heathfield.
For more information or bookings:
Physio Therapy Centre
11 Heath Road
Haywards Heath, West Sussex
RH16 3AX
Tel: 01444 450162
Mob: 07779 129966
Website: www.therapy-centre.net
Email: mail@therapy-centre.net
Article copyright YourDoc Medical Ltd 2010. All rights reserved.
