What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture uses fine, single-use needles partially inserted into the body at specific points. The World Health Organization lists 28 disorders for which acupuncture has proved effective, including some such as morning sickness for which conventional medicines might not be prescribed. Acupuncture promotes the body’s own self-healing process.
How does it work?
In Chinese medicine, there are channels that run in specific patterns throughout the body. They are called meridians and they act like energetic highways, creating a complex transport network that nurtures and nourish us from the inside out. Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points along these channels it helps to restore and rebalance the body’s flow and help illness to be resolved.
Acupuncture enhances the natural flow of energy (qi) and hormones around the body. When your body’s flow of ‘qi’ is impaired, illness occurs. If everything flows freely, there will be no blockages or pain in the body.
The superfine acupuncture needles also stimulate the secretion of pain-relieving endorphins and stimulate specific nerve fibres that modify pain transmission. For this reason, acupuncture can be used to ease muscle tension and provide pain relief for some conditions.
Will it hurt?
No, it should never be painful but you will experience reactions from the acupuncture points that could be things like a short sharp sensation, warmth, tingling, dull ache, heaviness – everyone’s reaction and sensation is different.
What should I wear for a treatment?
Loose fitting clothing is best, shorts and a tank top work well. If you don’t have appropriate clothing with you for an appointment we can provide towels and rugs to properly drape you. You should never feel uncomfortable at any time during your appointment.