Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practised in China for thousands of years. It uses an holistic approach to the management of disease as well as the maintenance of health.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of single-use needles to stimulate the body’s energy or Qi (pronounced chee).

The needles are inserted into points along specific channels or meridians on the body, where the Qi can be accessed.

When the body is healthy, Qi flows freely through the channels promoting health and resisting disease. If this flow becomes blocked or weakened, it results in pain and illness.

This traditional approach to Chinese medicine also incorporates other techniques such as moxibustion (burning the herb ‘mugwort’, which stimulates the flow of Qi) and cupping (applying pressurised jars to the skin to relieve congestion).

Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of disorders, including:

Addictions
Smoking cessation

Allergies
Hayfever, rhinitis

Emotional
Anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat
Sinusitis, tinnitus, dizziness

Gastrointestinal
Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease

Genitourinary
Impotence, prostatitis, cystitis, thrush

Gynaecological
Irregular or painful periods, PMS, menopause

Immune
Chronic fatigue, lupus, ME

Male and Female Infertility
Fibroids, endometriosis, low sperm count, PCOS

Musculoskeletal
Arthritis, back pain, tendonitis, sprains, muscle spasms, joint pain

Neurological
Headaches, migraines

Respiratory
Asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu

Skin
Eczema, psoriasis

...and many more

Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis is based not only on a patient's complaint, but also on their general health and well-being. The signs and symptoms are not seen as isolated illnesses, but as part of a pattern of disharmony. The needles used in acupuncture are not much thicker than a human hair and are not usually felt when they are inserted. However, when the needle reaches the acupuncture point an aching or numb sensation may be felt.

The first consultation takes between 1 and 1 1/2 hours including treatment. Subsequent appointments last about 45 minutes.