Acupuncture awareness week is here
Nigel Cliffe has put years into his studies, hundreds of hours into his practice and doesn’t like it when people won’t consider acupuncture because they’re scared of needles.
That’s why the owner of Acupuncture South Taranaki, who has an advanced diploma and almost has a Bachelor of Heath Science in acupuncture, has decided to take part in World Acupuncture Awareness Week (WAAW).
‘‘For me it’s not good enough just to say no - when people don’t know about it - on the basis of it being a sharp implement, because it’s not just that,’’ Cliffe said. ‘‘I want people to understand that it is available for a complementary health care option. I just want people to be informed.’’
WAAW runs from November 16 - 22 and Cliffe has decided to do two speeches and demonstration events and offer discounted treatments.
‘‘I’ve been trying to think about what people would want to know and I think the main one is why people would be wanting to put a sharp implement into their body for health.’’
Rather than describing acupuncture as painful, Cliffe said it’s more like a sensation.
‘‘There is a sensation, and especially if there is someone who is in pain, the sensation to address that pain usually involves feeling that pain,’’ he said. ‘‘For internal health issues, for example tonifying [increasing the available energy of] the stomach,
‘‘I just want people to be informed.’’ Nigel Cliffe
spleen and pancreas function, it’s not so much a sensation, more a dull ache.’’
There will be one speech and demonstration evening at CoastalCare in O¯ pu¯ nake on Thursday, November 16, and another in Ha¯wera at the Community Hall Lounge Room on November 20. Both events run from 5.30-6.30pm and are free to attend.
‘‘I’m going to talk about the history of acupuncture, why using acupuncture may be beneficial to people’s health, and that traditional acupuncturists like myself, a member of the governing body, can treat people under the ACC schedule,’’ he said.
Cliffe said a large portion of his clients had internal health issues.
‘‘They’re usually on a lot of pharmaceutical medications and can’t take any more and they’re still having recurring incidents of health disturbance.’’
If you’re interested in talking to Cliffe, he can be contacted on 0276819524 or 067638801 after hours.