Acupuncture is all about helping the body to naturally heal itself and function better. This is achieved by gently inserting fine needles into precisely defined points on the body.
Each acupuncture point has its own therapeutic purpose, and insertion points vary depending on the patient’s symptoms.
In recent years, there has been increased practice and acceptance of acupuncture in the medical community.
How does acupuncture work to relieve pain?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that pain or other symptoms are caused when there is a disturbance in the flow of ‘Qi’, otherwise known as blood or ‘yin and yang’. Using Acupuncture along with other natural healing methods (such as ear acupuncture, cupping, scrubbing and traditional Chinese herbal medicine) helps restore the level of Qi in the body, clearing any obstructions or deficiencies.
Acupuncture can correct underlying imbalances within our energy and blood flow, and improve our body’s physiological systems and resistance to illnesses. Lifestyle counseling in areas of exercise, diet and mental health also forms part of the acupuncture treatment.
Benefits of Regular Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be used to treat the following categories of symptoms:
- Bloating, indigestion, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, bad breath, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting associated with digestive issues.
- Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or pain associated with asthma or allergies.
- Tiredness, feelings of being run down and poor-quality sleep associated with insomnia, anxiety, stress, and depression.
- Lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain associated with chronic pain.
- Headaches, dizziness, migraine associated with chronic headache.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe, but it is possible that there may be adverse reactions in some, individual cases. Our acupuncture needles are made for single-use, are disposable and are sterilised beforehand.
As acupuncture involves the penetration through capillaries, slight soreness, bruising or bleeding at the needle site may occur.
What can I expect as part of my treatment?
Generally, a treatment session involves a consultation where you will be asked several questions and be physically examined. Then, a diagnosis and a treatment plan are provided to you on these findings.
Each person has a different experience of acupuncture. Some may feel a slight pinch as the needles are punctured through the skin whilst some may feel no pain. You may feel sensations such as pressure, heaviness, warmth and discomfort at the needle site.
The duration of session may vary, lasting from 45 minutes to an hour with the needles being inserted for up to 30 minutes.
Symptoms may be improved with the first acupuncture treatment or after several treatments. Patients may need to receive treatments periodically to maintain the long-term benefits of acupuncture.
