What is Acupuncture? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our bodies are manifestations of energy known as Qi. In health the different aspects of this energy, Yin and Yang, flow in harmony. If the flow of Qi becomes disrupted there is disharmony which can manifest in various health disorders. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body restore its harmonious flow of energy. Fine needles are inserted into the body at specific sites known as acupoints. The needles are manipulated to initiate a change in the flow of Qi and therefore help the body to return to a more balanced state, encouraging the restoration of health. What can it be used for? The World Health Organisation approves of the use of acupuncture for : Pain — back, jointInfertility Depression, anxiety Headaches/Migraine ArthritisInsomnia Digestive — IBS, colitis The WHO lists many more conditions which can be found on their website You can easily find a link at www.qitherapy.co.uk on the ’disorders’ page. If you prefer you can give us a call and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. How long does it take? First consultation and treatment 90 minutes Follow up treatments 40 - 50 minutes How many treatments will I need? You will be advised at your first consultation how many treatments you may need. Initial treatments are usually given once a week. Some change may be noticed after about five treatments. However, everyone responds differently and you may notice the benefit after just one or two treatments. Some patients may require long term treatment. Does it hurt? Acupuncture needles are very fine unlike those used for injections. Most people describe the sensation differently and appear to experience different levels of intensity. Some descriptions include a ‘dull ache’, ‘sense of heaviness’ or ‘tingling’ sensation. These sensations are felt temporarily at the site of the needle. Generally most patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing. What happens in a treatmetn session? At your first treatment a full medical history will be taken. Additionally, the practitioner will begin gathering other information with which to form a TCM diagnosis. You will be asked various questions, your pulse will be taken, and your tongue observed. From the TCM diagnosis your treatment plan will be drawn up. This will outline acupoints to be stimulated and may also include the addition of other TCM therapies which stimulate the flow of Qi, such as: Cupping — the placing of vacuum cups on parts of the body. Moxibustion — the burning of herbs Acupressure massage — body massage using traditional Chinese massage techniques. Massage may promote stress release & relaxation. |