Acupuncture treatment? What is it exactly?
Acupuncture treatment is a system of healing that has been practised in the eastern countries for thousands of years, focusing on treating individuals overall health and wellbeing rather than specific isolated problems.
How do traditional acupuncturists view health?
Acupuncturists see ill-health as an imbalance of qi or blood within the Meridians (Jing Lou) and or the Organs (Zamg Fu). By identifying the disturbance within this organ and meridian systems qi and blood can be diverted by the meridian system to assist in removing blockages (stagnation) & supporting areas of deficiencies. This is done with the the following interventions acupuncture needles, moxa (a burning infrared herb), Cupping & Gua sha (scrapping skin technique).
Is it safe?
The results of two independent surveys published in the British Medical Journal in 2001 (MacPherson et al, White et al, both BMJ September 2001) concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture treatment is less than 1 in 10,000. The needles used are single-use, sterile, and disposable. Responses to treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness, and very occasionally minor bruising may occur. However, all such reactions are short-lived.
What can acupuncture do for you?
Some people turn to acupuncture treatment for help with a specific symptom or condition. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain good health, as a preventive measure, or simply to improve their general sense of wellbeing.
Because traditional acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation, it can be effective for a range of conditions.
It has been shown to treat a wide range of conditions from dental pain, osteoarthritis pain e.g. knees, nausea to headaches. For a full list of disorders or diseases which acupuncture has been proved, through controlled trials, to be effective please visit the World Health Organisation tested list.
For more information on how classical acupuncture scripture describes signs and symptoms present within disease conditions, along with unbiased general information about health conditions and summarised acupuncture research, please view conditions articles below. These are in alphabetical order.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chemotherapy and Acupuncture
Fertility and Acupuncture
Fertility (Male)
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome
Menopause
Smoking addiction
Stress and anxiety