The Centre for Natural Health

What is Acupuncture?

For thousands of years, the Chinese have developed this unique system of medicine. No one knows exactly how acupuncture came about. Some say that it began when the ancient medicine men of China observed that when sharp objects pierced the flesh the ailments suffered by individuals were relieved or cured. Over the centuries, the Chinese have mapped the channels of energy (Qi), which cover the body. Points along these channels were found to have specific health benefits when pierced by fine needles. There are in excess of 360 points on the 12 channels. During a treatment session, anywhere between 2 and 20 points may be punctured. In the main, acupuncture treatment is painless, although some patients do experience various sensations associated with the stimulation of the Qi energy.

Moxibustion:
In addition to needles being inserted in to the body, moxa and cupping may be employed as part of a treatment plan. Moxa is a herb that is both placed on the needle and burnt or used generally to heat a specific area of the body. Moxibustion is employed to strengthen the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Cupping:
Cupping is the use of glass or bamboo cups to improve the circulation of blood and Qi. The cups are heated and placed on the skin. As the air inside the cups cools, a vacuum is formed which enables the cups to adhere to the body. Cupping is in most cases painless but they do leave dark discoloration marks, which take up to a week to fade.

How much treatment will I need?
It is not possible to give an absolute answer to this question, however there are some indicators. If the condition is acute (recent / sudden onset) it is more likely to respond quickly to treatment. If, however, the condition is chronic (longstanding) the progress is slower. A standard course of treatment is usually 6 to 10 sessions, one session per week. Patients will normally notice some improvement by the sixth session. Some conditions may require more than two or three courses while others are resolved in one course. The more often the treatment is given the faster the results. In China patients attend daily for treatments! This might seem extreme, but in some cases visits twice a week can be more beneficial.

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Do I need to do anything before I attend for treatment?
It is important that you keep your G.P. informed of any treatment that you are receiving. Equally, it is important that you inform your acupuncturist of any other treatment you are having. On the day of your treatment, it is important that the bladder and stomach are not full. Clothing should be loose so that each area of the body to be treated is easily accessible.

Is acupuncture dangerous?
There are no dangers associated with acupuncture when administered by a qualified and experienced practitioner. The needles used are disposable and are used only once. There is no danger of cross infection. Needles are sealed in sterile blister packs and are only opened just before use. The treatment you will receive will be fully explained to you prior to needling. Acupuncture is often described as a pleasant relaxing experience; some people may feel tired after treatment while others feel energised.

What types of conditions are treatable with acupuncture?
Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been shown to be beneficial for many conditions; below are just a few.Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis, Shingles, Urticaria, Asthma, ME, IBS, Common Cold, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, Haemorrhoids, Chronic Indigestion, Candida, High/Low Blood pressure, PMT, Menopause, Loss of Libido, Infertility, Leucorrhoea, Irregular Periods, Period Pain, Endometriosis, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Stress, Depression, Insomnia, Nightmares, Night Sweats, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Stiff Neck, Back Pain, Sciatica, Tendonitis, Frozen Shoulder, Sports Injuries, MS, Stroke, Bell's Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Migraine, Hay Fever, Sinusitis, Tinnitus, Hearing Problems.Acupuncture can also help overcome addiction to smoking, drugs, alcohol and food. Acupuncture is not a cure for addictions. Patients need to be committed to giving up the addictive substance. Acupuncture will make the withdrawal more bearable.

Do I need to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
Acupuncture works no matter if you believe in it or not. A positive attitude, however, will always help. A system of medicine that did not work would not have survived and flourished for so many centuries.