Acupuncture is a complex medical system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve wellbeing. It originated in China more than 3000 years ago and due to it’s proven effectiveness, has been embraced throughout the world.
It involves the insertion of extremely fine sterilised needles at predetermined points on the body’s surface to restore health on a physical, psychological and emotional level.
Acupuncture may be used alone or combined with other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, commonly referred to as T.C.M.
Acupuncture forms only one aspect of T.C.M., which can include the following:-
- Moxibustion: A gentle and relaxing heat treatment which is very effective for certain aches and pains.
- Dietary Advice: Specialised in T.C.M. terms.
- Herbal Medicine: This is a very extensive part of T.C.M. and includes dispensing various Chinese herbal prescriptions.
- Life Style Advice: This forms a crucial part of T.C.M. in terms of eliminating factors that contribute to the cause or chronicity of health complaints.
- Tuina: Chinese massage therapy.
- Qi Gong: Therapeutic exercises.
Any branch of T.C.M. may be used alone or in combination with another.
Since Traditional Chinese Medicine promotes the body’s natural healing ability, many conditions can be treated. It is also a comprehensive system of preventative health care and maintenance. It’s effectiveness is well documented and it has established a solid reputation as a system of health care that works.
The World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) recognises Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as viable means of treatment for a wide range of conditions.
Some of the most commonly seen complaints in the Acupuncture Clinic are as follows:
Infections: Chest, Ear, Nose and Throat conditions.
Dermatological: Rashes, Eczema. Psoriasis, Acne.
Psychological: Depression, Stress, Insomnia, Anxiety.
Musculoskeletal: Back pain, Sciatica, Neck and Shoulder pain, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Sports injury, Arthritis. Bell’s Palsy.
Internal diseases: Asthma, Bronchitis, Blood Pressure.
Indigestion, Acid reflux, Bowel problems.
Diabetes, M.E. M.S.
Headache, Migraine, Trigeminal Neuralgia, T.M.J. problems.
Genitourinary problems, Gynaecology, Infertility, Impotence,
P.M.S., Menstrual problems, Menopause, Cystitis.
As each person is unique the number of treatments required will vary and the adherence of the patient to the instructions of the T.C.M. practitioner will also influence the speed of recovery.