05/03/12….Your tongue reveals all, says Rhiannon

AS the first ever Acupuncture Awareness Week drew to a close over the weekend, Thame acupuncturist Rhiannon Griffiths reflects on its success at helping locals understand more about acupuncture.

“I had lots of people come to my mini-consultations with tongue diagnosis,” Rhiannon explained, “some with specific ailments that wanted to see whether acupuncture was the right treatment for them; but some came just very intrigued about seeing what their tongue could tell them about their health!”

Different areas of the tongue correspond to different organ systems in the body, offering clues to the practitioner about what imbalances may be present and what might need treating. “It also allows us to offer dietary and lifestyle advice,” said Rhiannon, “it doesn’t always have to be all about the needles!”

With this in mind, she is putting together a new package, as a direct result of her interactions with locals during the awareness week. Patients can attend clinic for what acupuncturists call a ‘traditional diagnosis’, after which they will be given a pack of health tips & information sheets specific to them as an individual. “This is for people who feel needles are too much for them at the moment,” suggested Rhiannon, “but it means they don’t have to miss out on the ancient Chinese wisdom that may lead them to better overall health!”

Most people have some fear around needles due to their experiences with western medical needles used for injections. Acupuncture needles are incredibly thin, around the thickness of a human hair, with some being as minute as 0.13mm in width!

Rhiannon also hosted a webinar called “Busting the Myths Around Acupuncture” based on the OnePoll study commissioned by the British Acupuncture Council. It focused on these misconceptions around the size of needles, fear of needles, thinking it will hurt, and what to expect in your first session. The replay of this online presentation can still be viewed, but for the next week only – register on the Acupuncture Awareness Week page on her website, and automatically get sent the link to watch.

“I was thrilled with the response from locals,” concluded Rhiannon, “I got to talk about acupuncture everyday for a whole week, which is my most favourite thing to do! Plus I got to answer so many questions, allay peoples worries, & show them that acupuncture isn’t so scary after all!”

Rhiannon Griffiths is a member of the British Acupuncture Council, a guest expert for Women’s Fitness Magazine & part of BBC Radio Oxford’s health team.
She practices at The White House in. Thame, and Susannah Nicholas in Princes Risborough. For more information visit. www.rhiannongriffiths.com or telephone 01844 220 227