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Acupuncture is part of an integrated system of primary health care, known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has an uninterrupted history of development dating back thousands of years in China and other parts of East Asia.
So how does it work? The human body is likened to a highly complex electrical circuit, but instead of circulating electricity, the body circulates a specialised biological energy called Qi. The Qi flows through countless energy pathways called meridians throughout the body, linking and integrating the organs and tissues to make sure that they function to perfection. When undergoing physical or emotional stress, environmental factors or a prolonged unhealthy life-style, the balance and strength of Qi flowing through the meridians is disrupted, resulting in pain and illness. Acupuncture can stimulate the affected areas along these meridians in order to restore the balance of Qi and bring equilibrium back to the body.
Acupuncture is known to treat a wide range of disorders which have been recognised by the World Health Organisation. These include:
Neurological conditions: headaches, migraines, sleeping disorders, nervous tension, stroke, facial and inter-costal neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, sequelae of poliomyelitis, noises in the ears, dizziness, Meniere's disease
Cardiovascular disorders: high blood pressure, fluid retention, angina, poor circulation, muscle cramps etc.
Respiratory conditions: asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, hay fever, sore throat, influenza and the common cold.
Digestive system disorders: gastritis, heartburn, hiatus hernia syndrome, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, haemorrhoids, liver and gall bladder disorders, and weight control.
Urogenital disorders: cystitis, prostatitis, orchitis, low sexual vitality, urinary retention, kidney disorders, and neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
Gynaecological and obstetric disorders: PMT, abnormal uterine bleeding or discharge, hormonal disturbances, menopausal symptoms, prolapse of the uterus or bladder, infertility & pregnancy related disorders.
Skin conditions: eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, nerve rash, herpes zoster, acne, scar tissue and resultant adhesions, hair loss and dandruff.
Musculoskeletal disorders: osteoarthritis, sciatica, lumbago, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, shoulder and neck pain, "frozen shoulder", and "tennis elbow".
Sporting injuries: sprained ankles and knees, cartilage problems, corking and tearing of muscles, torn ligaments and bruises.
Psychological conditions: depression, phobias, emotional disturbances, anxiety, nervousness and giving up smoking.
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