Acupuncture

 

The British Acupuncture Council describe acupuncture as follows:

“Acupuncture forms a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine where the basis of diagnosis and treatment is that the mind and body should be in perfect balance. This ancient system of healing is a gentle and effective treatment that focuses on helping the whole person, aiming to improve their entire health and wellbeing, and today is widely used and accepted all over the world.” 

 

Acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health.

Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for pain and disease. Acupuncturists insert very fine needles at precisely located points on the body to connect with and direct the Qi, in order to trigger the body’s healing response and restore equilibrium at a physical, mental and emotional level.

 

Since treatment works on a holistic level, patients often find that alongside their presenting symptoms, many other health problems resolve and they feel enriched by an increased sense of wellbeing. 

 

Acupuncture originated in Asia and has a clinical history of over 3000 years.  First reports in the West arrived in the 1500’s from travellers & missionaries, but its first reported use in the West was in the early 1800’s.

 

Henry Kissinger’s visit to China in 1972 truly raised awareness of acupuncture, when an accompanying journalist underwent an emergency appendectomy using acupuncture for anaesthesia.

Acupuncture has since been growing in popularity with increasing numbers of clinical trials beginning to confirm its efficacy, and increasing recognition within some sectors of conventional healthcare.  

For example, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, recommend acupuncture for back pain and tension headache. 

 

 

Therapist: currently none available