What is Traditional Acupuncture
Traditional acupuncture is a system of medicine which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Treatment takes a holistic approach i.e. the whole of the individual is taken into consideration. By bringing physical, emotional and spiritual aspects into harmony, overall well-being is improved.
The principle that our health is dependent on the function of the body’s motivating energy, known as Chi or Qi, forms the basis of Traditional Acupuncture. Qi flows throughout the body but is concentrated in channels beneath the skin which are known as the meridians. The aim of treatment is to restore the harmony between the equal and opposite parts of the Qi – the yin and yang.
In an acupuncture treatment small, very fine, sterile needles are inserted just under the surface of the skin into the meridians to stimulate the body’s own healing response and to restore health. The stimulation of certain points induces the release of endorphins from the brain which have pain relieving properties. The sensation can feel like a tingling or a dull ache. After a treatment, patients commonly feel relaxed yet energised. People who have only experienced injections or blood tests at the doctor or dentist are generally amazed at how painless acupuncture is.
Moxibustion
At Appletree Clinic, where appropriate, moxibustion is used in combination with acupuncture. This is a treatment that brings heat directly into the body via the gentle burning of cones of a dried herb called mugwort on the end of the needles. This process warms the Qi and produces a feeling of deep relaxation.
Conditions Treated
- Chronic Pain
- COPD
- Depression
- Female Fertility Issues
- Headaches/Migraine
- Substance Misuse
- Anxiety/Stress Related Issues
- Arthritic Pain
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Allergic Rhinitis (e.g.Hay fever)
- Gastrointestinal Problems
- Insomnia
- Menstrual and Menopausal Issues
- Neuropathic Pain
- Neck pain