What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that has its origins dating back more than 3000 years. It is based on the principle that health depends on harmony and balance. In Chinese medicine, this is understood through the dynamic interplay of Qi, Yin and Yang, and the balance of the elements of fire, earth, metal (air), water and wood. Acupuncture aims to restore balance where it has been disrupted, by the insertion of needles into channels of energy flow throughout the body, known as meridians.
No two energetic systems are alike, just like finger-prints, even if presenting with the same symptoms, it is the individual experience that matters. Hence, the aim of diagnosis and treatment is to understand you as an individual, through getting to know your history, lifestyle, stressors, strengths, patterns and environment.
From a Western perspective, increasingly extensive research suggests that acupuncture can influence the nervous system, the hypothalamus (and in turn the pituitary gland and hormone cascade), the release of endorphins, pain pathways and the connective tissue fascia, helping to regulate the body and change the way we experience pain.
The common ground is that acupuncture stimulates the body's own healing capacity, and although the explanations between east and west may differ, both point towards the body’s remarkable capacity to restore balance.
Treatment methods
As well as needles there are other methods used during treatment. These will be chosen based on the kind of condition you have.
Needling
The needles are stainless steel, single use and sterile. They are inserted into the skin, superficially, in varying points across the body. Sometimes needles are left in for a short time or they are inserted and removed immediately. When a needle is inserted it is usually painless and may not be felt at all, sometimes a mild sensation is experienced often described as a 'tingling' or 'tightening'.
Cupping therapy
This is used to stimulate Qi and blood circulation and is commonly used on the back . It is excellent for muscular problems and general tension and is a useful part of treatment for many conditions. It is important to note that although it is not painful there can be some mild localised bruising due to the suction of the jars.
Moxibustion
'Moxa' is a dried form of the herb 'mugwort' (Artemisia argyi). it is used either directly on the skin or in the form of a moxa stick held over the skin. It helps to warm up and stimulate over, specific acupuncture points or meridians, the flow of blood and Qi. It does not burn the patients skin.
Direct moxibustion is more commonly used for specific areas needing treatment. The practitioner shapes the moxa into a tiny cone and places it directly on to the body before lighting. The lit moxa cone is removed as soon as the patient feels any sensation of heat.
