For acupuncturists, who use a traditional theory, the focus is on the individual, rather than an isolated complaint. The physical, emotional, and mental aspects of life are seen as interdependent.

 

Acupuncturists use subtle diagnostic techniques, such taking the pulse and observing the tongue, that have been developed and refined for thousands of years. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of ‘qi’ along pathways in the body known as ‘meridians’. Acupuncturists may also use other techniques such as moxibustion, cupping, massage, and gua-sha.

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The goal of acupuncture is to restore balance in your mind and your body so you can get back to living life to the full. It’s a very positive model of health and function; the physical, emotional and mental are seen as interdependent and reflect what many people perceive as the connection between the different aspects of their lives.

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Acupuncture works to restore the free flow of Qi (vital energy) which may have been blocked by for example, emotional or physical stress, poor nutrition, infection or injury or illness. Ultra-fine, sterile needles are placed into specific acupuncture points on the body and once there, exert their effects to re-establish the free flow of Qi. Once the Qi starts to be rebalanced, the body’s natural healing response is triggered.

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Acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined for thousands of years, and continue to be. The focus is on the individual, not the illness, and all the symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Each person is unique so two people with the same western diagnosis may well receive different acupuncture treatments.

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Acupuncture is informed and underpinned by the principals of Traditional Chinese Medicine;  a scholarly and comprehensive way of thinking about the body in health and illness. It is distinctly different from other types of medicine (for example, western medicine) and this enables a completely different approach to health and wellness.  This really is a key strength of acupuncture. Many people come to acupuncture for help with particular symptoms or to relieve specific pains like osteoarthritis of the knee. Some use acupuncture because they feel generally unwell but have no obvious diagnosis. Others choose acupuncture simply to enhance their feeling of wellbeing.

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Although some people turn to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or condition, others choose to have treatment to help maintain good health or simply to improve their general sense of wellbeing. Because acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation, it is all about you and what you need, and this differs from person-to-person.