With a tradition of more than 2000 years acupuncture is now practised widely throughout the world (more than 130 countries). Acupuncture maybe used for a wide range of ailments including headaches, migraines, back pain, joint pain, tendon and muscular issues to name a few. In a fairly painless procedure it involves the insertion of very fine disposable sterilised needles into particular parts of the body.
In the western world acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system, influencing the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. The resulting changes are thought to activate the body’s self-regulating homeostatic systems, stimulating its natural healing abilities and thereby promoting physical and emotional well-being.
From a more eastern Chinese medicine viewpoint health is seen as the result of the unhindered movement and transformation of energy or qi 氣 within the human body. This movement can be disrupted due to several factors such as life style, emotions, infections, trauma or inappropriate dietary habits. Needles are inserted into specific locations called acupoints that influence the qi and can restore its smooth unimpeded flow and the bodies ability to heal itself.
Treatments can include moxibustion where a chinese herb called mugwort (moxa) is place on the end of a needle, burnt as a stick or on parts of the body to stimulate different areas. Cupping may also be used where a suction cup is placed on the skin to move and invigorate blood flow and alleviate pain.