acupuncture
How it works
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into specific points located on the body’s surface. This is done with the intention of improving the flow of ‘Qi’ in the complex network of meridians present in both deep and superficial aspects of the body. Acupuncture aims to stimulate the bodies’ own healing response and restore its natural balance. Treatment is aimed at the root of your condition as well as your symptoms. Western Medicine has hypothesised that acupuncture works in part by stimulating the autonomic nervous system as well as affecting levels of various endorphins and neurotransmitters. Together these help regulate the endocrine and nervous systems, support immunity and perception of pain – encouraging the body back into equilibrium.
Who has Acupuncture?
Chinese philosophy views the body as an integrated energetic whole, it treats the body on all levels looking at specific disease only in relation to this whole. Because acupuncture aims to treat the whole person, rather than specific symptoms in isolation, it is suitable for a wide range of conditions. Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms such as headaches, musculoskeletal pain or tiredness (to name a few) but some use acupuncture because they feel generally unwell but have no obvious diagnosis. Others choose acupuncture simply to enhance their feeling of wellbeing. Every acupuncture session is a challenge and investigation into the client’s health right at that point, which is what makes this work so interesting and fulfilling! Please get in touch if you have any queries about what acupuncture can help with and see below for more specific conditions acupuncture can treat.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
I will generally begin a session by discussing your symptoms in detail as well as your general health, medical history and lifestyle habits. I will then look at your tongue and take your pulse on both wrists. The acupuncture part of the session will require you to lie down on your back front or side with most of your clothing kept on.
Acupuncture is painless for most and for others, a very relaxing experience. Sometimes a dull aching or tingling sensation is felt when the needles are inserted, however if you have any worries about the needles I am happy to discuss this with you before we start. After an acupuncture session some might feel energized and others in need of a long deep sleep.
In Chinese medicine we see lifestyle and wellbeing activities as the highest form of medicine, for this reason, at some point within the consultation I will always include dietary and lifestyle advice based on your individual constitution and the seasons around us.