Conditions We Treat

Acupuncture is the practice of puncturing the skin with needles at certain anatomical points in the body to relieve specific symptoms associated with many diseases. The anatomical points (acupuncture points) are thought to have certain electrical properties, which affect chemical neurotransmitters in the body.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical practices in the world. Originated in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture gained attention in this country in the 1970s, when China and the US opened relations. The practice has been growing in popularity since.

According to theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected via pathways, or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. Acupuncture may correct these imbalances when applied at acupuncture points and improve the flow of Qi.

Acupuncture theories today are based on extensive laboratory research, and have become widely known and accepted. In addition, controlled studies have shown evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture for certain conditions. Approximately 10,000 certified acupuncturists practice in the US today. Not all certified acupuncturists are physicians, but, currently, about one-third of certified acupuncturists are US physicians who have incorporated acupuncture into their medical practices.

Acupuncture is not for everyone. If you choose to see an acupuncturist, discuss it with your physician first and find a practitioner who is licensed with appropriate training and credentials.

Many studies have documented acupuncture's effects on the body, but none has fully explained how acupuncture works within the framework of Western medicine. Researchers have proposed several processes to explain acupuncture's effects, primarily on pain.

In general, acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, which, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either alter the experience of pain or release other chemicals that influence the body's self-regulating systems. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture can be used to treat many physical conditions, including backache, headache, irregular periods, sinusitis, gynaecological problems, skin conditions, M.E. (chronic fatigue syndrome), digestive disorders, muscular and joint pain, asthma and stress, to name but a few.

Many emotional or psychological problems can be effectively treated by acupuncture such as anxiety, depression, addictions, phobias,irrational or obsessive behaviour, eating disorders, lack of confidence and low self esteem.

You can still benefit from acupuncture without suffering from any particular ailment. If you are feeling off–colour or out of sorts, perhaps experiencing difficulties at work, or unhappiness in a relationship, then acupuncture can help you cope better.

Acupuncture treats the whole person (not just the symptoms they are experiencing) on a physical, mental and emotional level. This means that treatment of physical problems also affects the way you feel about yourself.

As well as a greater sense of wellbeing and enhanced enjoyment of life, acupuncture can be an extremely effective and drug free form of pain relief.

You will also find your immune system is better able to withstand flu, colds and other minor infections, and if you do fall ill, you tend to suffere less badly and recover more quickly. Many people continue to use acupuncture as an effective form of preventative medicine.