What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practised in the eastern countries for thousands of years, used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. It focuses on treating individuals overall health and well being rather than specific isolated problems.
Acupuncturists see ill-health as an imbalance of Qi or energy. The more out of balance the energy, the greater the disease or the more apparent signs and symptoms become. Acupuncture works by understanding the root of these imbalances through a complex holistic approach. Fine needles are carefully inserted into specific points on the body. This is done to manipulate the energy (Qi) in the energetic pathways of the body (known as meridians) ensuring a harmonious flow, thus preventing imbalance and disease.
The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, grief anger or fear, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma.
In Traditional Acupuncture theory each person is considered as unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Some change is usually felt after five treatments. Normally you are recommended to visit your acupuncturist once a week at first and then longer time intervals depending on the individuals situation.
How many treatments will I need?
Sometimes the effects of a treatment are dramatic, and only one or two treatments are required. With other patients, the effects are more subtle and they may need treatment over several months. Some patients also favour having four seasonal treatments to maintain an optimum immune system and good health throughout the year, as traditionally practiced in the far East.
Although Acupuncture can support any disharmony by stimulating and enhancing the bodies natural healing mechanisms World Health Organization (WHO) has evidence to support that acupuncture can successfully treat the following conditions (Chronicle, no. 34, 1980)
CardiovascularHigh Blood Pressure, Angina Pectoris, Palpitations, circulatory problems
Ear, Nose and Throat Common Cold, influenza, Nerve Deafnes, Meniere’s Disease, Eye problems, Sinusitis
Gastrointestinal Hyperacidity, Nausea, Ulcers, Colitis, Constipation, Spastic Colon, Diarrhoea and haemorrhoids
Gynaecological and Urogenital Cystisis, Prostateitis, Menstrual disorders, including PMT, Infertility
Miscellaneous Obesity, Smoking, Addictions, Allergies such as Hayfever
Musculoskeletal Arthritus (all types), Tendonitis, Bursitis, Lower back pain and stiffness, tennis elbow, carpel tunnel syndrome, Most sport injuries
Neurological Headaches, Tic, Tremors, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bells paulsy Bells palsy, Shingles, Sciatica, Post-Stroke syndrome, General Neuragias
Psychological Anxiety, Deppression, Insomnia, and Nervous Tension
Respiratory Asthma, Pleurisy, Bronchitis and Emphysema
Skin disorders Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis