Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine which has been effectively used for over 5000 years. Acupuncture is one form of Traditional Chinese Medicine which involves the stimulation of certain specific points on the body to enhance the flow of vital energy (chi) along pathways called meridians. The central belief of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that the body must be in balance to function at its peak. Acupuncture is based on this belief.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that all emotional and physical energy, known as chi, flows through the body along specific bioelectric and chemical pathways called meridians, or “energy pathways.” When chi energy is flowing smoothly, the body is in perfect balance. If chi energy flow is slowed down or blocked, by factors like injury, poor diet, stress or climate, then physical or emotional illness often results. The meridian points are connected to specific organs and body functions. The pathways regulate and coordinate the body’s well-being by distributing Chi energy.

Acupuncture is a painless, non-toxic therapy for redirecting and restoring Chi energy. Most patients feel relaxed during acupuncture treatment, but response is highly individualized, relaxing some, energising others. Acupuncture uses hair thin needles and/or electrodes to direct and rechannel body energy. It is important to distinguish the difference. If a person has low vitality then the acupuncture treatment will enhance energy whereas if a person is stressed and irritated the acupuncture treatment will bring about a profound calming effect.

The World Health Organisation cites 104 different conditions that acupuncture can treat, including:

• The Common Cold
• tonsillitis
• eye inflammation
• myopia duodenal ulcer and other gastrointestional – disorders
• neuralgia Meniere’s disease
• tennis elbow
• paralysis from stroke speech
• aphasia
• Sciatica
• migraine

Acupuncturists specialise in treating the whole person to identify the cause, not just the symptoms. They look for lifestyle patterns that affect health, and place great emphasis on balance and harmony with the patient’s environment for the best results from their treatments.

They see noticeable immune response reduction when there are excesses in the patient’s life, from daily stress to emotional upsets, even the weather. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that when the patient’s underlying imbalance is corrected, not only does the main complaint improve, but secondary complaints are also treated.

Depending on the patient’s needs, Chinese herbs, vitamin supplements, therapeutic exercises, changes in diet and lifestyle are part of the complete healing process to bring balance back into one’s life.