How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is derived from eastern medicine philosophy. It is believed that the body has twelve channels that run from head to toe. Each of these channels are called meridiens. In these channels there is a substance called ‘Qi’or energy. This energy needs to freely flow through these channels, like blood flowing through arteries. Sometimes these channels become blocked, therefore the energy cannot freely flow and is blocked like a blockage in an artery. As a consequence this gives rise to illness.
Once the blockage is recognised along the channel which correspond to specific acupuncture points, they are stimulated by acupuncture needles or laser  in order to unblock the channel

How Do We Stimulate Acupuncture Points
In the clinic we use both LASER or acupuncture needles. The acupuncture needles are sterile and disposable. In general depending on the presenting problem will depend upon weather LASER or needles are used. There are instances where a patient may be needle phobic, were LASER may be used

How Many Treatments Do I Need
The number and frequency of treatments depends on several factors. These include the duration and intensity of your present disorder. Acupuncture is not a one session treatment. Most patients with chronic problems need approximately 10 weekly treatments to achieve maximum relief. However it must be emphasised that each individual is unique therefore some patients will require more or less treatments before their signs and symptoms improve.

Response and Side Effects
Response to treatment may be immediate or take several days to weeks. The effect is usually cumulative, building up over weeks before maximum relief is achieved. Side effects are minimal and can include temporary aggravation of symptoms, tiredness and in the case of needles minor bruising.

What Does Acupuncture Treat
A wide range of ailments can be treated with acupuncture after a full examination and diagnosis is reached. A cure will always be attempted but not necessarily be achieved but the symptoms can certainly be improved. Below is a list of some of the more common conditions which can be treated with acupuncture. Your practitioner may also choose to combine modern medical management with acupuncture to achieve the best possible result.

•    Musculoskeletal

–    Neck and back pain
–    Tennis elbow
–    Cramps
–    Joint  / arthritis pain
–    Nerve pain
–    Muscle pain
–    Sciatica
–    Frozen shoulder
–    Sporting injuries
•   Head
–    Tension or neck  headaches
–    Migraines
–    Trigeminal neuralgia
–    Meniere’s disease
•   Gastrointestinal
–    Irritible bowl syndrome
–    Nausea
–    Morning sickness
•   Respiratory
–    Hayfever
–    Sinusitis
–    Asthma
–    Common colds
•   Womens Health
–    Pelvic and Period pain
–    Premenstrual tension
•    Nervous Problems
–    Anxiety
–    insomnia