What is acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that recognises the connections of the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person. Acupuncture has been practised for thousands of years in China and other eastern countries.
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi, or energy that flows throughout the body. Our health depends on this flow being smooth and balanced. Qi incorporates Yin and Yang, which are equal and opposite qualities. Imbalances in the flow of energy can be caused by a number of factors, including poor diet, stress, anxiety, insufficient exercise, or over exercise, environmental factors, hereditary factors, infections and trauma. The insertion of fine needles into meridians - the channels of energy - stimulates the body's own healing response, and restores and maintains balance.
In recent years, extensive research has been undertaken to explore the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the context of western medicine. It has been shown to have an effect on endorphin levels, which are the body's natural pain killers. The acupuncture effect has also been found to be conducted along nerves. However, western medicine has not been able to offer a full explanation of the effects of acupuncture and research is ongoing.
Who has acupuncture?
Many people have acupuncture to help specific symptoms or conditions. Others have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution. Acupuncture has been found to be helpful in relieving symptoms in illnesses where cure is not possible. Examples of the type of conditions that people have acupuncture for are:
- menstrual problems
- menopause problems
- infertility
- anxiety
- insomnia
- fatigue
- digestive problems, irritable bowel (IBS) and nausea
- pain, including back pain and arthritis
- migraine and headaches
- addiction
- pregnancy related symptoms and preparation for birth
- facial revitalisation to enhance tired and aging skin
This list is not exhaustive.