Acupuncture Treatment

Traditional Chinese Medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force as qi (pronounced chee) – believed to flow through pathways (channels or meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these channels, we believe that your energy flow will re-balance whereby improving your general well-being.

Acupuncture has a positive effect on the vagus nerve by activating specific points that influence the autonomic nervous system. This stimulation helps enhance the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves overall health. By activating the vagus nerve, acupuncture can help regulate heart rate, support digestion, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension. It also aids in reducing inflammation and improving immune function, contributing to a greater sense of balance and well-being. The effects of acupuncture on the vagus nerve make it an effective therapy for promoting relaxation and overall physical health.

An integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, treatment includes taking the pulse on both wrists and having a look at the tongue. The procedures indicate to us your general state of health and allow us to reach a diagnosis and treatment plan.

The first treatment starts with a detailed consultation, recording past medical history. You will be asked about your current symptoms, your diet, digestion system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests and are single-use disposable stainless-steel types. They are inserted a few millimetres below the skin at chosen points along the channels of energy. The needles are left in place for at least 20 mins. The sensation may be either dull or described as tingling, to stimulate the body’s healing mechanism and help restore and maintain its natural balance.

You will be required to lie on a couch for full-body acupuncture treatments, or on a chair for ear acupuncture. It is best to wear loose-fitting clothing, so meridian points on the arms and legs are accessible.

As a complementary treatment, the use of Moxibustion, the herb Artemisia Vulgaris, and the application of cups may be included in the overall treatment.

Ever wondered what the flow of energy looks like? Click here to see Qi flowing through the body.

Acupuncture works on a mental, physical, and emotional level, and can therefore benefit and treat a vast range of different conditions. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) conditions that can be successfully treated with acupuncture include:

Aches + pains: Sciatica, backache, arthritis, headaches & migraines, tennis elbow and frozen shoulder,

Digestive disorders: Abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, constipation, IBS, diarrhoea & ulcers

Respiratory disorders: re-occurring colds & flu, sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, asthma, wheezing & coughing

Gynaecological disorders: Irregular menstruation, PMT. Menstrual cramps, endometriosis, in fertility, menopausal symptoms

Dermatological disorders: Eczema, acne, herpes, and other skin diseases

Urogenital disorders: Cystitis, incontinence & urinary retention

Mental and Emotional: Depression, anxiety, nervousness, stress & insomnia