Acupuncture is part of the traditional medicine of China and the Far East, where it has been practiced for several thousand years. By inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, it aims to stimulate the body’s own healing responses and to restore it to a state of healthy balance. Acupuncture can be used to maintain and promote wellbeing and to treat a range of health related symptoms and medical conditions.

Acupuncture is based on the concept of qi, a vital energy or motivating force. According to this concept all our bodily processes are dependent on the balanced flow of this vital energy through the body. However, the flow of qi can become disrupted and this can generate illness.

Many factors affect the flow of qi. These include physical trauma or injuries, emotional states such as stress, anger and anxiety, as well as poor nutrition and lifestyle factors. The insertion of fine needles into channels along the body redirects qi and helps to restore its free flow through the tissues. Acupuncture also includes the use of other techniques such as the application of pressure, heat or electro- acupuncture.

The World Health Organisation recognises its use for many symptoms and conditions, including among others:

Musculoskeletal conditions such as
Sports injuries/ Sprains
Tennis elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sciatica
Neck pain
Low back pain
Arthritis/ joint pain

Neurological conditions such as
Headache
Migraine
Facial neuralgia
Facial palsy
Muscle weakness following a stroke

Respiratory conditions such as
Common cold
Coughs
Allergic rhinitis/ Hay fever
Sinusitis
Asthma

Digestive conditions such as
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Indigestion/ Heartburn
Constipation/ Diarrhoea

Gynaecological conditions such as
Irregular/ painful periods
Infertility
IVF assistance
Premenstrual symptoms
Menopausal symptoms

Mental/ emotional conditions such as
Insomnia Depression Stress/ tension Anxiety

Addictions to smoking, alcohol and other substances

While many people choose it to treat a specific condition others might come for more general symptoms such as low energy or to enhance their general feeling of wellbeing.

At your first consultation you will be asked in depth questions about your condition, your medical history and your general health. Palpation of the channels and the pulse and observation of the tongue also form part of the diagnostic process. This information allows the practitioner to build up a comprehensive picture and to formulate a treatment plan, which is individually suited to your condition.

For the treatment a number of fine, sterile disposable needles are inserted into specific sites on the body where qi can be influenced. Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, but generally the very fine needles cause little discomfort. Patients commonly feel a light pinprick on insertion and a dull ache, heaviness or tingling around the area needled. Many people experience a pleasant feeling of relaxation during and after the treatment.

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person and depends on the length and severity of the condition as well as your general health. For longstanding conditions usually weekly treatments for up to six weeks are recommended, followed by less frequent visits as the condition improves. For acute conditions fewer visits are needed, but at shorter intervals. However, these are just general guidelines.

There is growing scientific evidence, which shows that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of many conditions. From a western medicine perspective research has shown that it produces a range of physiological changes in the body such as the release of endorphins, the body’s own naturally produced painkillers. Other explanations include the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, endocrine and immune systems. It is a safe and reliable treatment method, which can be used on its own or alongside western Medicine.


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