What is Acupuncture?:
Acupuncture is the insertion and manipulation of fine sterilised single use needles into the skin and subcutaneous tissue at certain locations known as acupuncture points.
Acupuncture points regulate the flow of Qi in the body and help to restore the body’s natural balance / homeostasis.
The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors including internal organ dysfunctions, external pathogens, emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief. As well as poor nutrition , hereditary factors and direct trauma.
The principle aim of acupuncture is to treat the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual, as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees the body and mind as one.
In addition to acupuncture, during a TCM session moxas and cupping might be used.
What are moxas?
What is cupping?
TCM might also include Tuina massage which is a massage with clothes on.
Acupuncture is now one of the therapies for low back pain recommended by the NHS National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Other complaints below are also seen in practice by acupuncturists:
Musculo – Skeletal Pain& Neurological Disorders
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Tennis Elbow
- Frozen Shoulder
- Sports Injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Stiff Neck
- Stroke
- Facial Pain
Mental – Emotional Disorders
- Anxiety/ Stress
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Panic Attacks
- Palpitations
Pregnancy
- Morning sickness
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Anxiety, Depression
- Carpel tunnel
- Insomnia
- Breech
- Labour Preparation
- Labour Induction
Genito – Urinary & Reproductive Disorders
- Infertility
- Irregular Periods
- P.M.S. (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome)
- Menopause
- Period Pains
Dermatological Disorders
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Acne
Internal Conditions
- Asthma
- Colds& Flu
- Allergic Disorders
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- I.B.S. ( Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- C.F.S (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
However, patients with a suspected or diagnosed condition should always been seen by their GP first.
The acupuncturist might also refer the patient back to the GP if more diagnosis is needed, or if the treatment is beyond the scope of acupuncture.