Acupuncture originated in China over 3000 years ago. It has been developing ever since and is presently used as a part of an integrated primary healthcare system throughout the world.
It involves the insertion of very fine needles into active areas of the body known as acu-points and works to regulate the circulatory system, nervous system, hormonal system and myofascial sheets of the body.
A few scientists are developing theories as to how acupuncture works. Some believe that the central nervous system is affected by stimulation of the acupuncture points, which alters the body’s temperature and flow of blood in a positive way. Others believe neurotransmitters and hormones are released during acupuncture treatments, which help the body to heal itself. Most would agree that acupuncture releases endorphins, which helps to reduce pain and promote relaxation. They have discovered that the acupuncture points seem to have a higher temperature, metabolic rate, and concentration of calcium ions than other parts of the body.

A typical acupuncture treatment involves up to 10 needles stimulating points on the arms, legs and back or abdomen and lasts around 20 minutes. Due to expectation the first treatment can sometimes begin uncomfortably, but it is not painful. People often describe the feeling during the treatment as tingling, warming or expanding and many clients relax so much that they fall asleep. The sensation you will feel when being needled is generally fairly minimal. In some styles you will feel almost nothing, while in others the needle will be rotated slightly until you feel a heavy or distended feeling indicating the arrival of qi. You often feel much better about your follow-up consultations after you realise acupuncture is no big deal, and has pleasant results. This individualization of the treatments is one of the strong points of oriental medicine. It is why people may experience broad changes within themselves after receiving acupuncture for a specific complaint.

Some situations may require as few as 2 or even 1 acupuncture treatments, whereas persistent conditions may require ongoing care. Each situation is different. Traditional Chinese medicine aims to treat you as an individual and look at the root cause of your condition, rather than just mask the symptoms that manifest from the cause. Within my treatments, I will always take my time to understand all the aspects of your life so that we can work together and understand which factors are aggravating your particular complaint. Since all aspects of an individual – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual – are interconnected and interdependent, any one part cannot be understood except in relation to the whole. Each of us is a unified organic body-mind-spirit. Should I tell my doctor? Acupuncture will not interfere with any western medical treatment but you are encouraged to advise your doctor that you are attending the acupuncture practice. It is recommended that you continue to take any prescriptions given to you and these should not be changed without your doctor’s consideration. However if your symptoms improve with acupuncture treatment then you are free to discuss your prescription requirements with your doctor. Can I attend an acupuncturist if I am pregnant? Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a drug free treatment that helps women cope with the demands of pregnancy. Most often women will attend an acupuncture practice for support with morning sickness, tiredness and back pain. If you intend to go to an acupuncturist and you suspect you are pregnant, then do let them know as your acupuncturist will need to change the treatment strategy to support your pregnancy.