Acupuncture
Its Origins
Acupuncture forms a critical part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world.
Originating in China approximately 1000BC, the term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques.
The philosophy behind TCM is fascinating, capturing the cultural beliefs and practices of the time. It revolves around a harmonious balance between humans and nature. Just as our environment has seasons and balance so too should the body.
Chinese medicine spread firstly to neighbouring countries like Japan, Korea and Vietnam, where each country developed variations in aspects of theory and practise. It then spread to the west and has stood the test of time, a strong endorsment of just how effective acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be.
After Communists took control of China, the president (Mao) realised that his people would benefit from the coexistence of both Western and Chinese medicine formats. He created four schools of Chinese medicine where the curriculum was required to excise all spiritual, pagan and esoteric material and this has become the backbone of modern Chinese medicine today.
The Process
Keeping true to their terminology, energy (qi and blood) is believed to circulate through the body in a number of channels (or meridians). Each meridian correlates to an organ in our body. It follows that when there is an inadequate supply of qi or blood, or a blockage to its flow then body is unable to maintain harmony. The resulting imbalance may lead to disease or illness.
Acupuncture points are specific locations on meridian pathways that may be needled to affect the level of the energy it contains, thereby regulating the function of the corresponding organ.
In practise, acupuncture points may be stimulated by needling, by pressure, by laser or by moxibustion where heat is applied through the burning a herb (mugwort).
Symptoms and the maintenance of well being
Just like chiropractic care, acupuncture can be used to benefit any person in any condition, whether they are symptomatic or not. Some conditions commonly addressed by acupuncture include:
* Neurological conditions: Headaches, migraines, stress and sleeping conditions
* Improving the results of couples undergoing IVF treatment
* Cardiovascular disorders: fluid retention, high or low blood pressure, poor circulation, muscle
cramps
* Respiratory conditions: asthma, hay fever, bronchitis
* Musculoskeletal Conditions osteoarthritis, sciatica, joint pain, sporting injuries
The Benefits
* Provides drug-free pain relief
* Effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic ailments
* Treats underlying cause of disease and illness as well as the symptoms
* Provides a holistic approach to the treatment of disease and illness, linking body, mind and
emotions
* Assists in the prevention against disease and illness as well as the maintenance of general
wellbeing
Is acupuncture safe?
Very few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used.
Practitioners use a new set of disposable one-use-only needles taken from a sealed package for each patient. The procedures used in our office aim to minimise any risk and ensure your safety.
