Finding out more about Mingxing Lin, Traditional Chinese Acupuncturist
With summer just around the corner and us all still recovering from the effects of the last 2 years both physically and mentally we turn our attention to acupuncture! This month we’re letting you in on some of the secrets Mingxing Lin has established in his many years of training and experience. Beehive’s long resident Traditional Chinese Medicine expert, Mingxing, is Chester’s answer to natural, complementary therapy!
Mingxing’s background
Mingxing graduated from the Fujian institute (university) of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in 1989 after 5 years of studying. Traditional Chinese Medicine attracted him because of the unique medical theory that promotes health and well-being to treat all diseases. With over 30 years experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a deputy professorship in China and western medicine studies too, he really is our resident Acupuncture expert!
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.
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 (sometimes called dry needling) 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. Both have benefits but derived from different principles.
What can I expect from an acupuncture appointment?
A consultation form with your medical history will need to be completed on arrival or before you arrive. It is ideal if you can have clean skin before receiving treatment. Showering and avoiding the use of any oils, perfumes or aftershave prior to your treatment is also advised. You are best wearing loose comfortable clothing to a treatment as you may be required to undress in a similar way as you would with a massage. Separates are ideal and privacy/dignity are always treated with care.
After an initial consultation Mingxing will choose the most appropriate places to put very fine acupuncture needles. Sometimes people can lightly feel the needles being inserted and other people feel nothing.
Mingxing strongly advises that you eat something before you come for treatment. Not eating can lead to an increased chance of dizziness and he is not keen on treating anyone who has not eaten within the last 2-3 hours.
After treatment it is recommended that you drink plenty water and avoid strenuous exercise immediately afterwards.
Are there any contraindications for acupuncture?
Like any treatment there are conditions Mingxing would need to be aware of before seeing you and may preclude you from having acupuncture at this moment in time. If you think you might have a condition which could affect the chance of you having acupuncture, please let us know so we can arrange a conversation. Examples include certain skin conditions, early pregnancy and those currently receiving radiotherapy.
Some medications increase the risk of bleeding and you may not be suitable for Acupuncture. Please inform Mingxing if you are taking any of the following; Aspirin (more than 75mg), Warfarin, Heparin, Tinzaparin, Clopidogrel (plavix).
If you unsure we recommend that you consult your GP prior to your appointment.
What does Mingxing love about working in acupuncture?
Mingxing loves being able to identify his client’s problems and effectively treating them. For example, one client suffered a back injury from playing golf. The hospital had only been able to suggest pain killers to treat his lower back ache. After one session of acupuncture his pain was reduced and he then visited once a month for a short while and now periodically for what he refers to as maintenance!
Sometimes his clients have difficult-to-diagnose ailments which requires a more extensive investigation to get to the root cause of the problem, but Mingxing loves how interesting this makes his job!
Common complaints people seek treatment for
Stress is the most common complaint that Mingxing gets approached to treat, as well as the knock-on, associated pains such as migraine and tension.
Is acupuncture just for people who are diagnosed with conditions?
No, Mingxing recommends treatments to everyone as acupuncture can also act as a preventative therapy for diseases and discomforts.
He advises people to follow nature; listen to your body and have awareness of your health. He also recommends a complementary therapy approach, which combines traditional acupuncture with massage to regulate the body’s own functions and to keep everything in balance and that it is important to take preventative measures where possible.
A trick of the trade from Mingxing!
If you suffer pain around the head or face or even toothache, press your thumb into the fleshy part of your hand between your forefinger and your thumb. Do this on both sides to reduce symptoms.
About Mingxing Lin
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). Beehive Healthcare is licensed with Cheshire West and Chester to have acupuncture services on site. MingXing also offers other therapies such as TuiNa (Chinese Healing Massage), Reflexology and Hopi Ear candles. !
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!
