Acupuncture – an introduction

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the surface of the body.  A system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years, Acupuncture and is now recognised in the West as a vital medical practise. The concept is that it restores, promotes and maintains good health.

Acupuncture is based on an understanding of the flow of energy in channels known as meridians throughout our whole body. This energy is known as Qi (pronounced chee) and is often translated as breath, life-force or vitality, it is what keeps us alive. The Qi is circulated along these meridians, forming a whole network of channels and along these at specific places lie acupuncture points. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore it’s natural balance. 

In health, our Qi flows smoothly, in balance and in harmony but in illness, the Qi becomes interrupted. It may be blocked or disturbed causing depletion, tiredness, low mood and stress which leads to ill health. Acupuncture clears any interruptions to the flow of Qi and thus bring about and maintain well being. The principal aim of acupuncture is in treating the whole persons body, mind and spirit, to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. 

Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses - infertility, IBS, menopause, migraines and stress to name just a few. 

Traditional Five Element Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to treating an individuals mind body and spirit at a very deep and profound level. As illness can arise from physical, emotional or mental trauma, a detailed history is taken on consultation. Five element treats the whole person healing the underlying cause of illness thus restoring harmony and balance throughout the system and symptoms of illness disappear.