About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine dating back around 2000 years. It sees health issues, whether they be physical, emotional or mental as a sign that the body is out of balance.
It uses fine needles to penetrate the body at particular points to affect the body’s energy and return it to a state of equilibrium. For good health, it is essential that our energy, known as Qi, flows freely around our bodies. Stimulating these points unblocks and strengthens our Qi which nourishes and restores our bodies.
A key feature of traditional acupuncture is that it operates a ‘whole person’ approach. It treats the whole of you not just a specific issue. This holistic approach can bring about additional positive changes such as better sleep and appetite, increased energy and a feeling of wellbeing.
Other techniques
As well as using fine needles, other techniques may be used as part of treatment. See below for further information.
Other techniques
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Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves burning a herb called moxa. It is used to warm and stimulate acupuncture points. It can be used to turn a breech baby
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Cupping
Suction cups are used to lift the tissues to encourage the movement of blood and fluids. This treatment if often used when there are symptoms of stiffness, pain or viral infection
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Gua Sha
Gua sha is a scraping therapy. It involves applying oil to the skin before scraping the skin with a blunt instrument. The aim of the therapy is to improve the micro circulation of the area. It is often used where there is pain, stiffness and symptoms of cold and flu
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Electroacupuncture
This therapy uses electricity to stimulate acupuncture points. The needles are inserted and connected to an electroacupuncture machine which sends a small current along the needle causing it to gently vibrate . This type of therapy is used when there is pain and in the induction of labour