Acupuncture in Physiotherapy

Acupuncture has long been recognised as complementing the practice of physiotherapy. Acupuncture in Physiotherapy is written for physiotherapists who have already received a basic training in acupuncture and who wish to extend their practice and achieve an intermediate standard of knowledge. It links the philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the theory and practice of Western science in a single, clearly written and highly readable text.

Acupuncture in Physiotherapy addresses the important issues on appropriate acupuncture research methodologies, particularly that of placebo control, and enables the reader to judge the quality of RCT evidence. It also examines more recent research into the mechanisms of acupuncture. Treatment vignettes are included throughout the text to demonstrate the immediate relevance of the sophisticated and subtle TCM thinking to modern physiotherapy practice. Research papers and texts are cited where they support TCM theory.

Val Hopwood is an experienced practitioner and is well known for her acupuncture courses. Her ecumenical approach to the subject avoids an abstract separation of the two strands of acupuncture and in its juxtaposition of science and mythology provides a stimulating and original survey. Full of insights, this book will be required reading not only for physiotherapists but any health professional who uses acupuncture in their practice.

Reviews

Janet Edwards, AACP Journal Editor December 2004 "The 140 pages of this attractive, easy to read volume contain a wealth of information for acupuncturists of various levels. The information is clearly and pleasingly presented. It reads easily and feels like listening to an interesting lecture."

1. Introduction, the main TCM theories and their place in modern practice. Dealt with very briefly.
Discussion of wholism as applied to acupuncture
Layers of an onion used as a model, indicating arrangement of chapters
Basic physiotherapy training deals with only one, the meridian layer
Discussion of interlinking and use of acupoints when their complete actions are understood

2. Key concepts
Development theory, starting with the building blocks., innermost layer
Heaven, Earth, original Qi. Body components Blood Qi and fluids
Influence of embryology in ear acupuncture and also extra channels
Selected research where it serves to illustrate the theories
Case histories

3. Key concepts
Zang Fu
Theories, descriptions, relation to channels and clinical applications, particularly in physiotherapy
Selected research
Case histories

4. Key concepts
Extra Meridians, clinical application
Selected research
Application in physiotherapy
Case histories

5. Key concepts
Meridian acupuncture, clinical application, particular application to pain and neurological conditions
Selected research
Application in physiotherapy
Case histories

6. Key concepts
Superficial layers:
Luo vessels, Musculo-tendinous acupuncture, Trigger point acupuncture
Selected research
Application in physiotherapy
Case histories

7. Key concepts
Microsystems
Selected research
Application in physiotherapy
Case histories

8. Key concepts
Chinese diagnosis, pulling it all together, interlinking layers
5 elements
8 principles
6 chiaos
Tongue
Pulse
Pathogens
Introduction to syndromes
Selected research
Application in physiotherapy
Case histories

9. Possible mechanisms
Summary only, reference to further reading and research papers

10. Research, how assess papers from a TCM perspective
Evolving good protocols, examples, evidence and further reading

11. Oddments; scalp acupuncture, moxa and cupping. Relationship to layers of the onion.

12. Additional case histories to encourage clinical use of the wholistic approach

Index
Treatments by condition, ref to case histories