What is acupuncture?

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Chinese medicine believes that all things in life are interconnected and uses nature as a metaphor to describe many of its profound and elegant theories and insights. With more than two thousand years of practice and backed by evidence-based research, it is a vibrant and valuable healthcare system in our modern-day. Successfully used to treat a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, both acute and chronic, acupuncture is safe, free from side effects and may be used alone or alongside Western medical care.

 

Traditional acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques and method to recognise and treat imbalances in the body that lead to illness and disease. There are many factors that cause the body to be out of balance; emotional and physical stress, poor nutrition, infection or injury being the most common. The focus is always on the individual, not their illness. The relationship between physical, emotional and mental health is seen as fully interdependent.

 

Acupuncturists believe that illness and pain occur when the body's qi, or vital energy, cannot flow freely. By inserting ultra-fine sterile needles into specific acupuncture points, a traditional acupuncturist seeks to re-establish the free flow of qi, to restore balance and trigger the body's natural healing response.

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how acupuncture can help

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Many people use acupuncture to help specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution or because they feel unwell or just have low energy. Acupuncture is suitable for all ages, including children and the elderly and can be very effective when integrated with conventional medicine. Some common conditions treated with acupuncture are:

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• Headaches and migraines

• Joint and muscle pain

• Stress and anxiety 

• Digestive disorders

• Insomnia

• Autoimmune conditions

• Fertility and pregnancy care

• Hormonal issues, menopause, menstrual disorders

 

You can also check the British Acupuncture Council’s research fact sheets to find out more about how acupuncture can help specific conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions...

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