What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing art developed over the last 4,000 years, predominantly in China.

Working on the body’s vital energy flow, very fine needles are inserted into acupuncture points so that the body’s healing response is stimulated to restore it to its natural state of balance.

Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle, and can produce a variety of effects. We know that it increases the body’s release of natural painkillers – endorphin and serotonin – in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received.

Acupuncture treats the whole person, rather than symptoms in isolation, working to improve overall well being through helping to recover equilibrium between mind, body, and spirit.

What does it feel like?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used in blood tests and injections. They are much finer and are much less painful. When a fine needle is inserted a slight prick may be felt or nothing at all. A tingling or heavy sensation is often felt when the acupuncture point is reached.

The number of needles varies greatly but maybe only two or three. While the needles are in place (usually 20 minutes or more) a feeling of pleasant relaxation is often experienced.

What can acupuncture help?

Stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanism; it is effective for a variety of conditions including:

• Headache and migraine
• Pain from arthritic joints
• Whiplash
• Back pain, sciatica
• Joint and muscle pain and spasms
• Acute sporting injuries
• Chronic postural problems
• Neck pain