Acupuncture forms a vital part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has an established role in helping to manage a wide range of symptoms.
Acupuncture is commonly used to address:
Acupuncture seeks to treat the person as a whole, rather than just the disease. This holistic approach requires that we consider the mind and emotions along with the physical body in our assessment of health.
Originating in China approximately 1000BC, acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world.
The term Acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques.
The practise of acupuncture has stood the test of time, spreading through the Western world. In fact, approximately one fifth of GPs have undertaken postgraduate study in acupuncture.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terminology, energy (qi and blood) is believed to circulate through the body in a number of channels (or meridians). Each meridian correlates to an organ in our body. It follows that when there is an inadequate supply of qi or blood, or a blockage to its flow then the body is unable to maintain harmony. The resulting imbalance may lead to disease or illness.
Acupuncture points are specific locations on meridian pathways where the qi can be accessed. Inserting fine needles into theses points permits the practitioner to restore harmony by re-balancing the flow of qi.
In practise, acupuncture points may be stimulated by needling, by pressure, by laser or by moxibustion where heat is applied through the burning a herb (mugwort). Often Chinese herbs will also be used alongside acupuncture for best possible results.
Very few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used.
The procedures used in our office aim to minimise any risk of adverse reaction. Our practitioners use a new set of disposable one-use-only needles taken from a sealed package for each patient.
