Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a natural form of health care that has an uninterrupted history of development dating back thousands of years.  This traditional treatment has gained widespread acceptance in the Western world and is formerly recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO).  It is part of an integrated medical system referred to as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes.  It focuses as much of the prevention of illness as on the treatment.  

Acupuncture is a safe, effective, natural and increasingly popular form of health care. It provides drug-free treatment; has very few side-effects; treats the underlying cause as well as the symptoms of illness; provides holistic care, linking body, mind and emotions; and assists in the prevention of disease and illness as well as the maintenance of general well-being.

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body’s meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi (pronounced chi) through the body. The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods, including moxibustion, cupping, electro-stimulation and massage, in order to re-establish the flow of qi.

When healthy, qi flows freely throughout the body. However when imbalances of qi occur, illness can result. This is often caused by stress, overwork, poor diet, disease, weather and environmental conditions, and other lifestyle factors. 

Safe and Effective Healthcare

TCM practitioners draw from both information gathered over thousands of years and recent clinical research.  This enables an individually tailored treatment plan to be formulated based on traditional knowledge and evidenced based practice.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a therapy commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture.  It involves smoldering a dry herb called Mugwort that has been compressed into cones or sticks.  The purpose of moxibustion is to strengthen the blood, expel cold and warm the meridian, stimulate qi and smooth its flow, and maintain general health.

The moxa is placed at an acupuncture point and left to smolder.  The patient will experience a pleasant heating senasation.  Care is taken to avoid burning.

What is cupping?

Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine.  It involves glass cups that are warmed by holding a flame inside.  This burns the oxygen within the cup creating a vacuum as the cup is turned upside down and placed on the skin.  This vacuum anchors onto the skin draws it up into the cup in a dome like manner.  This is believed to open the pores, stimulate qi, and create an avenue for toxins to be drawn out.

Cupping is used to treat colds and chest problems, sporting injuries, musculoskeletal problems, and neurological disorders eg sciatica.

What to expect?

In order for the acupuncturist to prescribe the best treatment to the individual, a history and examination must be performed.  A full medical history is taken including information regarding your general constitution and signs and symptoms of the presenting complaint.  The examination involves feeling the pulse and observing the tongue as well as other relevant western neuro-orthopaedic examinations.