About Acupuncture

Chinese Medicine is the oldest, continually practiced, medicine in the world. It is over 3000 years old and has proved to work effectively and safely over the millennia. Currently a quarter of the world population uses this form of medicine. This ancient form of healing involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points of the body.

Acupuncture, along with nutrition and exercise, works with the natural vita energies of the body to promote its ability to heal itself.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile and disposable. A licensed acupuncturist has had thorough training on the safe implementation of this treatment modality.

How does Acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized the vital energy inherent in all living things. This energy is called Qi (pronounced chi) and over thousands of years of practice, physicians have discovered a system of energy flowing in the human body along specific pathways called meridians.

Each meridian is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. When the Qi in the pathways becomes obstructed, deficient, excessive, or imbalanced, disease occurs. The meridians communicate with the surface of the body at specific locations called acupuncture points.

Chinese medicine aims to balance patterns of disharmony in the body. It works to strengthen and awaken the body’s natural resources to heal itself. One of the most important foundations of Chinese medicine is the concept which assumes that a part can only be understood in its relation to the whole.

Needles inserted in these points influence the Qi that flows to internal organs. Acupuncture can also affect specific areas of pain associated with injury or trauma. A needle inserted near the area of overstrained muscle or tendon will increase the flow of Qi to that area, which reduces pain and accelerates the healing process. Using a system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, along with findings from other signs and symptoms, the flow of the meridian system is determined. A treatment plan is then formulated to help the body achieve a balanced state of health.

Is Acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the size of a human hair. They bear no resemblance to the needles used when receiving an injection. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed with a minimum of discomfort. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during the treatment. Acupuncture may include a variety of non-needle techniques, such as moxibustion (heat treatment), acupressure, and cupping (suction cups).

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments will depend on the nature of the complaint, its severity, and how long it has been present. Many conditions may be alleviated rapidly. Other, more chronic conditions will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. Through Traditional Chinese Medicine, a patient will become more aware of his or her own body, thus increasing its ability to maintain well-being.

Chinese and Western medicine complement each other and can be integrated to offer optimal health care. In cases where medical circumstances can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine, your acupuncturist will recommend that you contact your GP.