According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy – known as Qi – moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. By inserting fine needles into specific points on these channels of energy (meridians), acupuncture can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states (such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief), poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections and trauma.

Rather than the traditional symptom-based approach, we address the underlying causes of pain using a patient-centered approach addressing the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.

The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.

What Acupuncture can help you with

  • Pain & Injury – Sciatica, backache, arthritis, headaches and migraines, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, Carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar Fasciitis, Knee Pain, Sports Injuries
  • Digestive disorders – Abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, constipation, IBS diarrhoea, ulcers
  • Respiratory disorders – Re-occurring colds and flu, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, asthma, wheezing and coughing
  • Gynaecological disorders – Irregular menstruation, PMT, menstrual cramps, infertility, menopausal symptoms
  • Dermatological disorders – Eczema, acne, rosecea
  • Uro-genital disorders – Cystitis, incontinence, urinary retention
  • Mental and emotional – Anxiety, nervousness, stress, insomnia, trauma

Adjunctive modalities of treatment

In addition to insertion of fine needles, we may also use the following modalities:

Cupping

Cupping involves special suction placed on the skin. The suction helps to increase the flow of Qi in the channels. Cupping improves circulation, releases tight muscles and is especially effective for tension and stiffness in the back and shoulders.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion where Moxa (mugwort) is used to stimulate channels and points. The heat from this herb is warming, soothing and extremely relaxing. It is very effective for releasing tightness in muscles, relating tension and invigorating the flow of Qi.

Electro-acupuncture

Electro Stimulation involves use of a mild pulsating electrical current to stimulate the acupuncture points and is mostly used for chronic pain or neurological disorders.

How Safe Is Acupuncture?

The World Health organisation (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and various government reports have studied and commented on the efficacy of acupuncture. There is general agreement that acupuncture is safe when administered by well-trained practitioners using sterile needles. Serious side effects occur very rarely; less than one per ten thousand treatments. All needles used are sterile and disposed of once used and, hence there is no risk of infectious diseases through the use of acupuncture needles.