What is Acupuncture?
The practice of acupuncture, which originates in China, is over 2000 years old and is now used worldwide. It is an effective and gentle therapy which promotes physical and emotional wellbeing, relieves pain, and strengthens the body’s natural defences.
Acupuncture is based on the Chinese Medicine principle that our health is affected by our emotions, our lifestyle, and our constitution. These factors can block the free flow of “Qi”, our vital energy, and therefore restoring its balance is key. Each acupuncture treatment is tailored and looks at the whole person, not just the condition.
So how does it work in a treatment?
Acupuncture practitioners use ultra-fine sterile needles inserted into specific points on the body. This triggers the body’s natural response to healing and promotes the natural flow of Qi throughout the body to balance and restore the body’s energy.
What can Acupuncture help you with?
Acupuncture can help you with a wide range of conditions whether they are physical or emotional. Comprehensive research and information about the efficacy of Acupuncture can be found on the British Acupuncture Council website. Acupuncture is often sought for the following complaints:
Acupuncture is often sought for:
Physical pain
Back, joints, muscles, sports injuries
Emotional wellbeing
Stress, anxiety, depression
Women’s health
Menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, post-partum, peri menopause, menopause
Headaches and migraines
Insomnia
Allergies
Digestive issues
Please feel free to contact me to see how acupuncture could help you on acupuncture.anna@gmail.com
Other techniques
As well as needles, I am fully trained to use other techniques such as cupping, moxibustion and Gua Sha.
Cupping
Cupping is a therapy that involves suction cups placed on specific areas of the body (usually the back and shoulders). The aim is to relieve tension, reduce pain, clear toxins, and increase blood circulation.
Cupping may cause redness on the skin which will fade within a week. This is a desired therapeutic outcome as it shows toxins have been released and stagnation cleared.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, otherwise known as Moxa, is a therapeutic herb made of ground Mugwort leaves. It is an essential part of Chinese Medicine. Moxa is either placed directly on an acupuncture point; on top of a needle; or held just above the skin. The herb is then lit and this enables heat to enter the body and promote the smooth flow of Qi in the area.
This is a very gentle treatment and the warmth that emanates from the moxa is very soothing and relaxing.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is done on an area of the body where the energy Qi is blocked by using a scraping tool. This promotes blood circulation and healing.
Gua Sha will leave red bruise like marks which is part of the therapeutic effect and will fade within a week.
According to current medical research, Gua Sha increases blood flow and produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following treatment.