Catgut embedding

Catgut embedding

catgut embedding

Catgut embedding FAQ

If you have never heard of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, this guide will help you learn more about its philosophy and the catgut embedding technique.

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General

Catgut (or other absorbable sutures) is a surgical-grade suture that self-dissolves after 3 weeks to 6 months. Catgut embedding involves placing small pieces of catgut (or other absorbable sutures) into the body using a needle. It works on the same principle as acupuncture, i.e., needling specific points on the body (acupuncture points) to promote the flow of Qi and Blood, Vital (nutritive) Substances to specific areas of the body, helping the body self-heal. Unlike during an acupuncture treatment, where the needles stay in place for the entire duration, during a catgut embedding session, the needle is removed almost immediately after the catgut is inserted. 

It depends on whether you have specific symptoms or want to use acupuncture as a preventative treatment. The effect of catgut embedding is greater than that of traditional acupuncture, particular success has been noted in the treatment of: allergy, asthma, eczema, blood circulation, irregular menstruation, insomnia, nervous disorders, pain/stress relief, paralysis, and many more. Please contact Dr. Huong to discuss your specific condition.

This varies between patients and conditions. Certainly a course of treatment is required (usually five sessions), one off miracle cures are unusual! Some changes either in yourself generally, or in your condition directly should be noticed after the first or second treatment. Each treatment is usually 3 weeks apart.

Catgut embedding is considered a modern form of acupuncture. Since the catgut (or other absorbable sutures) stays in the body for 3 weeks to 6 months, Qi and Blood (including white blood cells), Vital (nutritive) Substances continuously flow to the affected area(s) until the catgut self-dissolves, as compared to only 20-30 minutes during an acupuncture treatment. In addition, since the needles do not remain in the body during treatment, Dr. Huong can target more acupuncture points without the patient having to change position. As a result, catgut embedding is more effective than a standard traditional acupuncture treatment. 

  • The catgut doesn’t contain any drugs, so there are minimal side effects. 
  • The effect of each catgut embedding session lasts 3 weeks to 6 months, making it more convenient for patients who cannot attend treatment regularly.

TVM/Y Học Cổ Truyền was developed based on ancient wisdom about how the body works, derived from many observations of nature and the human body. According to this school of thought, the human body is like a small universe, where everything is interconnected and interdependent. In addition, TVM doesn’t view human organs in isolation. TVM doctors consider how a condition affects different parts of the body; hence, they may perform tongue and pulse diagnosis based on the 5 elements, Yin/Yang, Qi and Blood, along with other observations, before treating a patient. 

TVM has many branches, including Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Tuina, Herbology, Reflexology, Auriculotherapy, etc. Based on the same meridian theory, it is believed that all parts of the human body are interconnected via these meridians (and collaterals), which serve as pathways for Qi, Blood, and Vital (nutritive) Substances. These meridians communicate with the external world via specific points on the body, also known as acupuncture points.

In Traditional Medicine, meridians are channels that form a network in the body, through which qi (vital energy) flows.  Meridian-based therapies are based on the concept that a disruption in the flow of qi/chi energy can result in compromising the immune system, making the body susceptible to many unwanted conditions and diseases. In other words, blocked qi causes pain or illness.

In total, there are 12 meridians on each side of the body: 3 yin meridians (heart, lung, and pericardium) and 3 yang meridians (small intestine, large intestine, and sanjiao) of the arm, 3 yin meridians (liver, kidney, spleen) and 3 yang meridians (urinary bladder, gall bladder, and stomach) of the leg.

Before treatment

Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. Also avoid alcohol and food or drinks which colour your tongue (such as coffee) before your first treatment.

Please avoid alcohol 

During treatment

  • Each session will start with a consultation with Dr. Huong. She will carefully listen to your signs and symptoms and perform some physical checks. Please bring any X-rays and consultation notes you may have. 
  • Dr. Huong, with the help of her assistant, will deliver the treatment while you are lying on your stomach/back. So, please wear loose clothing if possible. 
  • The number of needles and the areas to be needled depend on the condition(s) you would like to treat.
  • After needling certain points, you may feel an electric sensation in other parts of the body. This is a sign of Qi flowing to that part of the body.
  • Certain points might be more painful than others, depending on, for example, the severity of your condition, the tightness of your muscles, any internal injuries, etc..
  • Once the treatment is complete, Dr. Huong will discuss additional steps you can take at home to promote healing. 
  • The appointment lasts about 30-45 minutes.

Catgut embedding is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people’s experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests.  When the needle is inserted, the absorbable suture is then implanted under your skin which will gives a tingling sensation. You are advised to avoid any heavy physical exercises and massages for 2-3 days after your treatment.

This depends on the type of condition that you have and its severity. Dr Hương will examine you and advise during the consultation. 

After treatment

Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong or there may be a short term flair up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself.

Avoid having acupressure and massage in the first 3 days after having the treatment.

Please apply ice to these regions 

General

Before treatment

During treatment

After treatment