Acupuncture originates from ancient China and dates back over 2000 years. Its use today is becoming more mainstream and can help with a wide variety of problems, often when Western medicine has provided no solution. However it can also be safely used to complement Western treatment and medication. You will not be alone in thinking it to be a bizarre practice that involves sticking needles in somebody; however it is far from that and in reality is not at all painful.

Acupuncture works on treating the root of the problem and any symptoms that you may be experiencing, without the use of drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine, of which acupuncture is part, looks at balancing the free-flow of the body’s vital energy, known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). This qi flows through the body via ‘meridians’. Imagine a stream that becomes blocked by a branch, so too can your vital energy become blocked by emotions, trauma, weather, or poor diet and lifestyle causing you to experience problems. Similarly the branch in the stream makes changes, obstructing the stream and causing it to dry up or perhaps change the direction of its flow. By selecting certain acupuncture points and inserting a fine needle this flow of energy is released or corrected, similar to unblocking the stream with a stick and allowing the water to flow as previously.

During an acupuncture treatment you will have time to talk to the practitioner and to discuss all aspects of your problems. The acupuncturist will look at your tongue and take your pulse, and then a number of points on the body will be chosen to insert fine needles. Everybody is unique and each treatment is tailored to you and your individual problem or concern. You may feel some tingling and also a deep sense of relaxation. The needles are left in place for 20 minutes while you rest. Don’t be surprised to have needles inserted nowhere near the problem you may have…this is quite normal.

A short series of regular treatments along with diet and lifestyle changes should see you on the road to feeling your original self in no time.

Other than the occasional bruising which is very rare, there are no side effects. Acupuncture can help with a variety of mental and emotional complaints, from generally finding it hard to cope with life to stress, anxiety, panic atacks, and depression. It is also used for more serious issues such as schizophrenia and serious addictions. The persons mental state causes many of the physical symptoms that they may be experiencing eg stomach/bowel disorders, skin complaints, headaches and in girls, period problems. Clients will find that having the time and space to talk makes a difference, whilst the actual acupuncture will aim to rebalance the mind and body and alleviate the physical symptoms.