WHAT is acupuncture?
Acupuncture (針灸 zhen jiu) is a system of medicine that is over 2000 years old. Originally from China it is now practiced in more than 130 countries worldwide. It has survived and grown simply because it has proved time and time again that it is effective, safe and adaptable to the individual. The system is based on the premise that the quality of your Qi (life energy) determines your state of health. If your Qi is in balance, health is maintained; but when out of balance, illness and disharmony result. Imbalances in your Qi can come about from a variety of factors. Some examples include stress, poor diet, physical or emotional trauma, excessive emotional states, infections or overwork.
Acupuncture is one of the most widely accepted forms of Alternative medicine, because is has been shown to be so effective, safe and free from side effects, more and more GP’s and others within the NHS are recognising it as something that could benefit patients and therefore have a place in mainstream healthcare. Several independent studies and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have found it to be one of the safest forms of treatment available.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
Acupuncturists work to establish the cause, nature and location of an individual’s imbalance, and the most effective way to treat it. This is commonly done by the insertion of fine needles into particular areas of the body, known as acupuncture points. These points lie on channels (or meridians), which circulate Qi throughout the body. By fine tuning the Qi in the channels, acupuncturists aim to achieve balance, health and harmony of each individual.
Treatment also often consists of other techniques in place of, or in conjunction with, the needles, where deemed appropriate. These techniques include massage, acupressure, moxibustion (the use of a burning herb around areas of the body to create warmth and energy), cupping (suction cups that draw out toxins or pathogenic factors) and advice (usually surrounding the likely causes of the imbalance and possible ways of addressing these).
During a treatment
Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle, and can produce different effects. We know that it can help your body release natural painkillers in parts of your spinal cord and brain. This modifies the way your brain receives information about pain.
Although often used as a means of pain relief, it can treat people with other illnesses. The focus is on improving the overall well-being and balance of Qi of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.
The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover equilibrium between physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Therefore it can help to relax, improve mood, relieve stress and improve your sense of well-being.
Your individual needs will be assessed and a treatment plan will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
HOW SAFE IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture has been proven to be a wholly safe form of treatment, all needles used are single use, pre-sterilised and disposable. Once used the needles are discarded in the appropriate manner, so there is no risk of infection.
