Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an important part of Chinese medicine which has been practised and perfected for thousands of years.

Acupuncture works on the basis that there are several channels in the body through which “qi” runs. “Qi” can be understood as our life energy, and when its flow through the channels is impaired, discomfort and symptoms of disease may occur.

By inserting very thin, disposable needles in strategic points of the channels, acupuncture aims to restore the normal flow of qi and support the natural healing processes, bringing the body's systems into balance.

In addition to normal needling, there are other techniques used in acupuncture such as electroacupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion (the burning of the herb mugwort over specific points to produce a warming effect).

Acupuncture can be used to treat specific conditions or as a preventative treatment. Its effects manifest at a mental, emotional and physical levels. Because of this, it can be very effective for conditions aggravated by emotional stress.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of conditions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises over 180 conditions that have been scientifically verified to respond well to treatment. These include:

Chronic pain, back pain, arthritic pain
Depression, anxiety and stress
Insomnia
IBS and other digestive problems
Migraines and other types of headaches
PMS, Menstrual irregularities and Menopausal symptoms
High blood pressure and circulatory problems
Infertility
Skin conditions such as acne and ezcema
Asthma and other respiratory disorders
Hay fever and other allergies
Withdrawal symptoms during detoxification from addictive substances including alcohol and nicotine (see ear acupuncture below)

Ear acupuncture

Ear or auricular Acupuncture is a specialised type of acupuncture that consists of the insertion of very thin and short, disposable needles into different points of the auricle (external ear). Similar to reflexology, it works on the basis that different organs and tissues of the body can treated through their corresponding reflex points found on the ear.

Ear Acupuncture is rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom and uses the same principles and diagnostic methods as body acupuncture, but it wasn't fully developed until the 1950's. It was at this time that a French Physician called Dr Paul Nogier rediscovered Ear acupuncture, thoroughly researched it and developed the reflex maps so widely used today.

In addition to needling, treatment methods have been developed using electro stimulation and laser therapy as well as ear seeds and magnets that can help stimulate the points between treatments. Ear acupuncture can be effective on its own, particularly for the treatment of addictions, but it is best combined with body acupuncture.

How many treatments will be needed?

The amount of treatments needed for acupuncture to produce changes varies from person to person, but significant improvements are commonly seen after five or six treatments. I usually offer a course of six treatments, after which there can be an evaluation of the improvements in the condition to determine if treatment is being effective or not.

Acupuncture and pregnancy

Provided you are dealing with a qualified practitioner, it is not only safe but it can be highly beneficial for both mother and baby to use acupuncture during pregnancy. As a preventative treatment, acupuncture can be used once a month to make sure mother and baby are in the best possible health; while in the last month of pregnancy a weekly acupuncture treatment helps to prepare the uterus for birth and prevent difficult labour.

In addition, acupuncture can effectively help with symptoms that may arise during pregnancy such as: morning sickness, fatigue, anxiety and stress, insomnia, heartburn, haemorrhoids, lower back ache, sciatic pain, digestive, problems, high blood pressure, oedema, etc.

When there is breech presentation, a simple acupuncture procedure can be used to turn the baby. This is most effective when performed between the 34th and 36th weeks.

Acupuncture is also known to help induce labour. Not only are there specific points that do this (the same points that need to be avoided throughout the pregnancy!), but acupuncture treatment also induces a relaxed state that allows the mother to let go of tension and fear which may be preventing her from going into labour.
After giving birth, acupuncture can help control haemorrhages, hemorrhoids, encourage the body to expel retained products (lochia), and prevent post-natal depression.