Acupuncture

Summary

Chinese Oriental Medicine has been around for thousands of years, and has provided us with a unique and holistic approach to help prevent and treat disease. Western Science and Traditional Chinese Medicine ultimately rely on the body's natural healing ability to maintain health and protect against disease. Both have the same goal of helping a person stay healthy. Western Science tends to use drugs and surgery as needed. Acupuncturists tend to use gentle needling and moxibustion. A combination of both systems can create an ideal environment of health and healing.

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called “qi”, that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. We now know that “qi” was a mistranslation and Chinese Medicine focuses on the air we breathe into the blood stream and its travel throughout the body. Blood circulation and the nervous system are the focus of Chinese Medicine. The Yin and Yang symbol is the same as balance or Homeostasis in Western Medicine. Chinese Medicine uses Acupuncture needles to communicate with the electrical system of the body to give direction to the natural healing mechanisms. The insertion of these needles stimulates the body's natural healing processes to work optimally. Acupuncture can be used in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions and can also be used as a preventative measure by improving the overall functioning of the body's immune and organ systems.

Qi is said to flow through meridians, or pathways, in the human body. These meridiens and energy flows are accessible through 350 acupuncture points in the body.

Does it hurt?

This varies from person to person. Some people feel only brief sting, others feel pain. There may be slight bruising after the needle is removed. Depending on your situation between ten and thirty needles may be used, and are usually left in the body for at least twenty minutes, sometimes longer. Different points require the needles to be inserted at different depths

How does it work?

Acupuncture is based on the theory that there are patterns of energy called 'chi' flowing through the body. Disease or pain result when this energy is disrupted, weakened or becomes stagnant. Acupuncture works to maintain the balance (known as homeostasis) by regulating the flow of Qi (pronounced 'chee') throughout the body. Qi has been loosely defined as 'energy' or a life force that flows through all living things. Qi flows throughout the body along interconnected pathways known as meridians. Thin needles are inserted into different points along these meridians in order to stimulate the body's self healing abilities.

How often will I need to go?

This depends on the condition being treated, but some conditions can be treated in one to four sessions. People with chronic conditions may require regular treatment. It is a good idea to get an estimate at the start of the treatment if possible.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture has no side effects. Proper sterilised and disposable needles are allowed to use by licensed acupuncturists. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.