Acupuncture

The traditional Chinese theory behind acupuncture as medical treatment is very different from that of Western medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, imbalances in the basic energetic flow of life – known as qi or chi (chee) – are thought to cause illness. Qi is believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. These meridians and the energy flow are accessible through approximately 400 different acupuncture points. By inserting extremely fine needles into these points in various combinations, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will rebalance. This will allow your body’s natural healing mechanisms to take over.

In contrast, the Western explanation of acupuncture incorporates modern concepts of neuroscience and researchers at the National Institute of Health are studying at least three possible explanations for how acupuncture works:

Opioid release. During acupuncture, endorphins that are part of your body’s natural pain-control system may be released into your central nervous system – your brain and spinal cord. This reduces pain much like taking a pain medication.

Spinal cord stimulation. Acupuncture may stimulate the nerves in your spinal cord to release pain-suppressing neurotransmitters. This has sometimes been called the “gate theory.”

Blood flow changes. Acupuncture needles may increase the amount of blood flow in the area around the needle. The increased blood flow may supply additional nutrients or remove toxic substances, or both, promoting healing.

If you would like to discuss whether acupuncture is a suitable treatment for your symptoms please feel free to get in touch.

Your Initial Consultation

Your first session will involve a full consultation to find out about your main concerns, and to assess your overall past health history. Your practitioner will work out a treatment plan from this information that is tailored to your individual needs. Information about any medication/supplements you are taking will be useful to us at this stage, as well as any recent test results. After the consultation, there will be time for a short treatment.

It is best to wear loose clothing for your acupuncture sessions, and best not to eat a large meal or drink strong coffee or alcohol just prior to a treatment.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practiced in China, Japan and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. In an acupuncture treatment, small, fine, sterile needles are inserted just under the surface of the skin to stimulate the body to achieve balance and harmony.

The sensation of acupuncture can feel like a tingling, pulling or a dull aching sensation. After a treatment, patients can commonly feel relaxed yet also energised. People who have only experienced injections or blood tests at the doctor or dentist are generally amazed at how painless acupuncture is.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a treatment that brings heat directly into the body from burning a dried herb called mugwort. It can be used to treat a great variety of conditions, and combined with acupuncture the effects of this method are amplified. Moxa’s heat penetrates the body quite profoundly and promotes a feeling of deep relaxation. A similar effect can also be achieved through the use of an infra-red heat lamp, which is also available at our clinic.

Cupping

Cupping is extremely useful at relieving muscle tension where stagnant energy has built up over time. It involves suction cups being placed over the areas of tension to release the tight spots. It excels in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder tension etc. It is also said to release muscle toxins and activate the lymphatic system. Patients often comment it is like having a deep-tissue massage.