Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medical technique, involving the insertion and manipulation of needles at more than 360 points in the body. It is believed an energy called chi flows along invisible ‘meridians’ which are believed to be linked to internal organs. Positioning the needles at particular points along the ‘meridians is believed to increase or decrease that flow of energy. Chinese traditional medicine sees that a balance has to be kept between two opposing but complimentary forces called ‘yin’(female) and ‘yang’(male). When yin and yang are in harmony chi flows freely within the body and a person is healthy.

Who can Acupuncture help? Acupuncture can help with:

The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition.

What happens during treatment?

Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. A brief medical history will need to be taken prior to acupuncture. You may be asked about your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve.

Loose comfortable clothing should be worn and you should be aware that the acupuncturist may need to access points on your torso as well as on your arms and legs. Stimulation of specific areas on or beneath the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced.

What does it feel like?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to normal needles. They are much finer and are solid. When the needle is inserted the sensation described is tingling or dull ache, they are inserted for a sec or two or may be left in place for 20min or more. During treatment you may experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

Click here to return to Alternative Therapies