Guide To Acupuncture

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the ancient art of of inserting needles into the surface of the skin, to stimulate specific points along the bodys Meridians (energy lines). The stimulation of these points triggers the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that relieve pain. As a result, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing. Acupuncture is similar to Acupressure, but the main difference is that the latter is typically used as a form of preventative medicine or symptomatic relief and Acupuncture is more often used as a cure for specific ailments.

Who Can Acupuncture Help?

In the Western world, Acupuncture is mainly used for the treatment of painful conditions such as Arthritis, Back Pain and Rheumatism. It is also been found to help people suffering from Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colitis, Digestive Problems, Insomnia, Stress, Tiredness, Ulcers and more. It is also very popular for helping with withdrawal symptoms after giving up Smoking and other forms of Addiction.

What Does Acupuncture Involve?

The treatment will begin with a consultation, where the therapist will take a case history from you and will use Chinese diagnosis to select the points to be stimulated. The consultation may last up to an hour, especially if a detailed history is necessary. Once the points have been ascertained, the practioner will insert the needles, which will either have been sterilised in an Autoclave or be disposable, from sterile sealed packs. This is usually quick and fairly pain-free. He/She will rotate the needles between the thumb and forefinger to stimulate the points, and you would normally feel a tingling or numbness around the area as this is being done. The number of needles can vary between 1 up to 15, depending on the treatment needed. They can stay in for just a few minutes or up to half an hour, again depending on the treatment needed. The amount of treatments required will depend on the condition(s) being treated and may vary from 4-6 to possibly more for complex problems.