About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern Medical practice originating in China. It is considered one of the four pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM along with herbal medicine, tui na (bodywork), and qi qong (energy work). The theories behind TCM recognise the importance of the whole person including physical, mental and spiritual aspects. This means symptoms are never seen in isolation and so a practitioner builds a picture of their client including all facets of their life. Treatment focuses on returning to health by supporting the body’s ability to naturally heal itself.

Having a treatment

At your first session you will be asked about all aspects of your health, diet and lifestyle. This review is quite comprehensive and usually takes 15-20mins, Your acupuncturist will take your pulse, look at your tongue and palpate painful areas to assess them when nessecary.

You will then be left to get ready for your treatment and to remove clothing from the areas to be needled. Often the lower arms and legs need to be exposed as points here are commonly used for many conditions.

Your acupuncturist will then wipe the areas to be needled with an sterilising swab and begin needling.

Needling

Some 40 acupuncture needles can fit inside one of the needles you would have when you get your blood collected!

The needling sensation perceived is different for everyone, however there are some similarities. Tingling, acheing and numbing are words often used to describe the initial needling sensation. This can be viewed as beneficial as it is said to signify the activation of the bodys Qi (chee), which promotes the bodys own healing response and a return to a disease free state. The initial needling sensation soon gives way to a deeply relaxed state which often results in Clients nearly faling asleep during treatment.

For those a little apprehensive about needling, it should be considered that the needles used are unlike hypodermic needles they may have experienced before. Acupuncture needles are much thinner, as thin as a human hair ( see right!! ), and are round tipped so as to part body tissues not cut them. Should you feel a little anxious, your acupuncturist will help to relax you during needling with gentle breathing techniques. You will then be left to relax, in a comfortable position in a warm relaxing room.

Treatment Time
Treatment time varies depending on your condition, younger or weaker clients' treatments are generally 15 - 20 mins, usual treatment time is approx 25 mins. Though an hour is usually sufficient for consultation and treatment it can occassionally last a little longer, particularly if your acupuncturist decides cupping, electro acupuncture or moxabustion should be used.