What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of complementary medicine in which fine needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along what are considered to be lines of energy [meridians] used in the treatment of various physical and mental conditions.

Why Acupuncture?

• Do you have an ongoing physical or emotional condition that it seems conventional medicine and other therapies are ineffective at alleviating?
• Have you tried all manner of treatments to try and get relief from pain and other symptoms?
• Do you have a chronic illness or recurring pain related to injury?
• Do you have a sports injury and want to get back to full fitness?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, it may be worth giving acupuncture a try.

Acupuncture has stood the test of time. Based on an age-old system of healing that originated in China, its theory is contained within ancient texts and its practice has been the continuous study and clinical assessments over thousands of years and billions of patients worldwide. It offers simple, effective relief from a range of everyday physical and emotional disorders.

How does Acupuncture work?

Based on principles that go back almost 2,000 years, in which illness is viewed as the result of an inbalance within the body, acupuncture aims to restore equilibrium; balancing the physical, emotional and mental aspects to promote overall wellbeing. Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] is based on Yin and Yang a harmonious balance that must be achieved for our bodies to function and feel well.

In TCM, our Qi [energy] flows through channels within our bodies. This energy can become deficient or stagnated; causing an imbalance of the Qi forces. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into the skin at specific points on the body that are based on the twelve primary Qi channels that run throughout the body; each corresponding with and connected to 12 internal organs. With an emphasis on the individual, rather than the illness, acupuncturists use subtle techniques to diagnose and treat conditions that range from headaches and migraines to pain and depression.

Please read our FAQs for more details about your accupuncture treatment.

What is Chinese Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced [either by
heat or suction] in order to draw and hold skin and superficial muscles inside the cup. Cupping removes any stagnation in the
body and opens up channels so that Qi or energy can flow freely.

Conditions Cupping can help with

• Back pain
• Muscle pain and muscle stiffness
• Sporting injuries
• Sciatica
• Weight loss
• Digestive disorders
• Cellulite
• Skin conditions – Eczema and Acne
• Respiratory problems
• Colds & flu symptoms

What to expect during a Chinese Cupping Therapy Treatment

The cups are generally left in place for about fifteen minutes. The skin under the cups will then redden due to the congestion of blood flow. The cup is then removed from the skin by pressing the skin on one side, allowing some outside air to enter and thus equalising the pressure. The pulling effect created by the suction inside the cups massages the muscles, and helps the body to realign itself in a similar way to a deep tissue massage.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion [Moxa] is the application of an herb called Chinese mugwort or Artemisia that is burnt to create warmth to an acupuncture point this may be used in combination with acupuncture needles. The aim of moxa is to nourish and warm according to Chinese medicine principles it is used to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.

Moxa can be direct or indirect; a cone is rolled and place directly on the skin then quickly removed as heat is felt. Also it can be used on the end of a needle placed in an appropriate acupuncture point. A moxa stick is the shape and size of a cigar can be light and held close to the skin on the area being treated pleasant feeling of warmth can be felt.

What is Moxibustion used for?

In traditional Chinese medicine moxa is used to expel cold from the meridian pathways when there is a cold or stagnant condition resulting in a smoother flow of blood and Qi.

Burning Moxa also produces a great deal of smoke and a pungent odour. Patients with respiratory problems may be contraindicated.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that up to 75% of women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth had fetuses that rotated to the normal position after receiving moxibustion at an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian.