What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing within Chinese Medicine, practiced in the East for thousands of years. It aims to treat the whole person by working with life-energy Qi (chee) to correct ill health and maintain natural equilibrium within. According to the Ancient Chinese, the human body is connected by 12 main and 8 secondary pathways, called meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or Qi, between the surface of the body and the internal organs. Qi regulates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health, and is influenced by the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. When Yin and Yang are balanced and working together there is a natural flow of Qi bringing harmony to the whole being. Fine needles are inserted into selected points along the body which activates its own healing process, dispersing blockages or accessing reservoirs to replenish exhausted energy, helping to treat and prevent disease.
Some of the Benefits?
While Acupuncture’s major benefit is the treatment and prevention of disease, there are many others including:
• Safely used alongside conventional medicine.
• Addresses the cause of the problem.
• Improves energy levels and increases vitality.
• Promotes relaxation and improves sleep.
• Reduces levels of stress.
• Regulates emotional and spiritual well-being.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Although Acupuncture can treat any disharmony by stimulating and enhancing the body's natural healing mechanisms, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has evidence to support that Acupuncture can successfully treat the following conditions (Chronicle, no. 34 ,1980).
• Cardiovascular High Blood Pressure, Angina Pectoris, Palpitations, Circulatory problems, Raynaud’s disease.
• Ear, Nose and Throat Common Cold, Influenza, Tinnitus, Nerve Deafness, Meniere's disease, Eye problems, Sinusitis.
• Gastrointestinal Hyperacidity, Nausea, Ulcers, Colitis, Constipation, Spastic Colon, Diarrhoea and Haemorrhoids.
• Gynaecological and Urogenital Cystitis, Prostatitis, Menstrual Disorders including P.M.T., Infertility.
• Miscellaneous Obesity, Smoking, Addictions, Allergies such as Hayfever.
• Musculoskeletal Arthritis (All types), Tendonitis, Bursitis, Low Back pain and stiffness, Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, Most sports injuries.
• Neurological Headaches (Migraine and Tension types), Tic, Tremors, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bell's Palsy, Shingles, Sciatica, Post-Stroke Syndrome, General Neuralgias and Numbness.
• Psychological Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Nervous Tension.
• Respiratory Asthma, Pleurisy, Bronchitis and Emphysema.
• Skin Disorders Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis.