Acupuncture is believed to have originated in North West China, and from archaeological finds, and ancient writings it is indicated that it was widely used from around 2700BC! The first state sponsored school of acupuncture in China was founded in 443AD. Acupuncture has also been practiced for hundreds of years in India (as part of Ayurveda), and the Far east, before coming to Europe in the eighteenth century. President Nixon gave acupuncture worldwide media coverage when he took a trip the China in the 1970’s, and since then it has become a widely accepted alternative remedy, which can be used to treat the whole body, and a wide range of illnesses and debilitations, including infertility. Acupuncture is widely used in conjunction with various other remedies such as homeopathy. Both are known as a ‘complete system of medicine’ because they treat the whole system, often finding the cause of an ailment, instead of just treating the symptoms. Acupuncture can also be combined with other treatments; for instance for athletes who use sports massage or those who use massage as a way to de-stress and aid sleep, the addition of an acupuncture course can be beneficial. A quick trawl around your local area should reveal several qualified practitioners. Acupuncture in West Sussex is especially prolific, with many individuals attached to sports rehabilitation units at leisure centres, or to alternative health spas. Acupuncture is not just for humans! Many people have their pets treated, with excellent results, and equine acupuncture in West Sussex is an established and booming business, helping everything from colic to lameness.
If you decide to use acupuncture to promote wellbeing, you will be following a traditional Chinese medical practice which has lasted over 3000 years. Nowadays acupuncture is both widely recognised and widely available as an alternative or complimentary medicine, often used alongside conventional medicine. Some GPs now offer acupuncture on the NHS, although they are still quite few , but many more have BAcC (Britsh Association of Acupuncturists) members working within their practices.
Acupuncture works by inserting needles into some of the 500 acupuncture points in the body , where they stimulate the production of endorphins , the body´s own pain relieving chemicals. Traditional Chinese acupuncturists believe they correct the flow of QI through the body´s meridians , putting it back into balance and helping the body both to heal itself and guard against disease.
As well as being used to relieve pain, acupuncture is used to treat such conditions as stress and insomnia. Many acupuncturists will use manipulation alongside it to sort out muscular skeletal problems. Conditions such as back pain and arthritis are commonly treated in this way.
The whole process is pain free, with little more than a tingling sensation when the tiny needles are inserted and can be extremely relaxing, inducing a feeling of great relaxation. Even people who have a fear of needles find that they are quickly able to accept the gentle process. Ensure that your practitioner is qualified and experienced and you will be in the safest of hands.
If you have never tried , it really is worth following the example of millions of others who are currently benefiting from the help that traditional Chinese acupuncture can bring.