Interview with Chinese Acupuncturist MingXing Lin

Interview with MingXing Lin, Traditional Chinese Medicine

The weather has taken a turn, work deadlines are looming and Christmas is just around the corner – it’s no wonder we often neglect our health and suffer from stress at this time of year – both physically and mentally! So, this week we’re picking the brains of MingXing Lin, Beehive’s resident Traditional Chinese Medicine expert on all things health, well-being and acupuncture – Chester’s answer to natural, alternative therapy!

ming-profile

  1. So, MingXing, you graduated from the Fujian institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1989 – what made you chose to study Chinese medicine?

I became very interested in traditional Chinese Medicine because it is a unique medical theory that promotes health and well-being to treat all diseases. I therefore chose to study it as a profession at Fujian university of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China for 5 years and I have been practicing now for 27 years. I have also studied Western Medicine too.

  1. What are the main theories behind Chinese medicine?

Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach, drawing upon the correspondence between the human body and the universe and looking at a bigger picture. Diagnosis and treatment are based upon an overall analysis of the illness and the patient’s condition. For example, ailments affecting one area of the body could be linked to trauma in other areas of the body.

  1. How does Western Acupuncture and Chinese Acupuncture differ?

Chinese Acupuncture follows an ancient philosophy that believes in the Meridian system, an energy flow called Qi (pronounced Chi) as well as the body’s Yin and Yang – the main fundamental concepts of Chinese medicine. Chinese acupuncture looks to restore balance and harmony within the body, so that the Qi is unobstructed and can flow freely around the body, past the various acupuncture points, to encourage the body’s healing.

Western acupuncture is an adaptation from this but does not refer to the principles of yin and yang and uses only the principles of evidence based medicine.

  1. What do you find most satisfying about your job?

Being able to identify my client’s problems and effectively treating them. I have one client who suffered a back injury from playing golf. The hospital was only able to suggest pain killers to treat his lower back ache. After one session of acupuncture his pain was reduced and now he only has to visit me once a month – what he refers to as maintenance! J I always look for natural alternatives to treat symptoms so that my client’s do not have to rely solely on medication.

  1. What do you find most challenging?

Sometimes my clients have difficult-to-diagnose ailments which requires a more extensive investigation to get to the root cause of the problem. But that is what makes my job so interesting!

  1. Your job promotes health and well-being – what do you do personally to ensure that you stay healthy?

I ensure that I exercise regularly, such as swimming and cycling and walking and I avoid harmful habits such as smoking and late nights! It is also very important to keep a healthy diet and to be positive and happy.

  1. What are common complaints that your clients seek treatment for?

Stress is the most common complaint that I am approached to treat, as well as the knock-on, associated pains such as migraine and tension.

  1. Are your therapies just for people who suffer with ailments?

No, I recommend treatments to everyone as acupuncture can also act as a preventative therapy for diseases and discomforts.

  1. If you could offer one piece of advice to readers about how to stay in good physical and mental health, what would it be?

I would advise people to follow nature; listen to your body and have awareness of your health. I also recommend a complimentary therapy approach, which combines traditional acupuncture with massage to regulate the body’s own functions and to keep everything in balance. I also believe that it is important to take preventative measures where possible.

  1. Can you give us a trick of your trade?

If you suffer pain around the head or face or even tooth ache, try pressing your thumb into the fleshy part of your hand between your forefinger and your thumb. Do this on both sides to reduce symptoms.

Thank you MingXing!

MingXing is a fully qualified and experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner. He is a member of the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China) and Association of Chinese Medicine Practitioners (ACMP UK). MinXing also offers other therapies such as Cupping – creating suction on the skin to aid inflammation and blood flow, Reflexology and Moxibustion – a therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort on points on the body. These natural therapies are championed by the A-listers – and if it’s good enough for Jennifer Anniston – we’re convinced!

If you would like more information about MingXing’s therapies, or you would simply like to have a consultation – please feel free to get in touch with a member of the team! (insert contact details).