What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a completely natural form of medicine. It works on the premise that the body functions as a whole system, and providing the energy within the body is kept in a natural balanced flow, good health will be maintained. The word energy is also sometimes referred to as qi (pronounced chee) but in everyday layman's language, this simply means how well you fight off infection, take sufficient strength from your food, or have enough physical energy to participate in a happy and well-rounded lifestyle. Illness is understood to arise when this natural flow of qi, or energy, becomes blocked or compromised as a result of various lifestyle factors including: emotional states, stress, diet, overwork, family health, weather conditions, infections and injuries. By using fine needles inserted into specific points, the body's own natural healing process can be stimulated by way of meridians, lines that interconnect to organs and tissue deep within the body.
Treatment and diagnosis
At the initial consultation a full case history including all symptoms, medical and family history, lifestyle and emotional issues will be taken. Using this information, we make a thorough diagnosis and suggest a treatment plan specifically tailored to your individual needs.
Each person and each condition responds differently to treatment. Some require short-term courses of treatment, others need longer. A typical course of acupuncture requires four to six treatments. The ultimate aim is to become healthy enough to only require treatments as a means of preventative health care.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is a recognised dynamic and effective treatment for a wide range of health conditions. It targets the root cause of any illness, as well as relieving symptoms. It is because of this that the benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it leads to increased vitality, energy levels, better digestion and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall wellbeing. It is particularly effective in treating:
• eczema, asthma, shortness of breath and giving up smoking
• fatigue disorders, ME, tiredness, lack of motivation, depression, insomnia, anxiety and stress
• painful conditions such as headache, migraines, arthritis, backache, sciatica and fibromyalgia
• digestive problems such as IBS, diarrhoea, constipation, Crohn's disease and eating disorders
• gynaecological problems including PMS, painful, heavy, irregular or absent periods and infertility
• high blood pressure, heart conditions and stroke
• physical injuries.
Acupuncture styles
There are two main styles of acupuncture, and we draw on the strengths of both when treating our patients:
Classical Five Element acupuncture theory is a way of understanding all characteristics, relationships and movement in nature. In Chinese medicine humans are seen as microcosms of the universe, and by observing the Five Elements within ourselves, we can understand the root of imbalance and tendency towards illness. Acupuncture harmonises the elements within our bodies, facilitating our return to good health and enhancing our quality of life on a physical, mental, and spiritual level.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a style of acupuncture that aims to support the organs and physiological systems within the body. It is very effective at treating acute and chronic disorders and specific conditions maintaining the integrity of a holistic approach.
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