Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice that originated in China thousands of years ago. In western medicine, the goal is often to diagnose disease and treat it specifically; in acupuncture, the goal is to strengthen the entire mind and body, supporting our inherent resilience and resistance to disease.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy (Qi, pronounced ‘chee’) moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels (meridians) beneath the skin that connect the interior and exterior of the body, and the internal systems to each other.
Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities – Yin and Yang. When Qi becomes blocked or disrupted, illness can result. Acupuncture aims to bring all systems into balance by inserting fine needles into the meridians. It can also be used to complement conventional medicine.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture has been used to treat a range of conditions including:
* Anxiety and depression.
* Arthritis and rheumatism.
* Asthma.
* High blood pressure.
* Menstrual cramps.
* Skin problems.
* Pain relief in childbirth.
* Addiction – smoking, alcohol and drugs.
What happens during an acupuncture session?
If it is your first session, the acupuncturist will assess your general health to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment. They may enquire about your current symptoms, treatment you have received so far, medical history, your close family’s medical history, diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.
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