How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that dates back over 2,000 years. It involves the insertion of fine needles at specific sites, with the belief that it helps to restore the flow of energy, known as qi, around the body.
Acupuncture is a holistic medicine, meaning that practitioners look at the whole individual rather than treating one particular sign or symptom alone – we are interested in your sleep, digestion, emotional state and more besides to help us get to the bottom of what is happening. The aim is to target the root of a condition, as well as the symptoms.
Research into acupuncture’s effect on the body from a scientific perspective has found that it has numerous effects. It regulates the body’s parasympathetic processes, meaning it calms the body’s central nervous system. It has also been found to help improve the main system (known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis) that regulates a body’s hormones and stress response, and is known to stimulate the release of endorphins.
There are lots of other scientific findings into acupuncture’s effects on the body, with new research being published all the time. For those looking for further information on this, the Evidence Based Acupuncture website is a great resource.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture can be beneficial for people of all ages, who often find their treatments calming, relaxing experiences.
Research into acupuncture’s efficacy in treating particular conditions is ongoing, but some of those that have been found to be positively influenced are listed below. Click on the associated buttons to read more about the evidence behind this.
If you would like to speak to me to find out more, book a free consultation.
Chinese medicine
Chinese medicine is more than just acupuncture, it incorporates other skills, including:
NB Only acupuncture and gua sha are available at the Wellness Hub. Moxibustion and cupping can be offered on home visits.