- Acupuncture has been used in China and other eastern cultures to restore, promote and maintain good health for about 2,500 years. Acupuncture aims to improve the overall ,wellbeing of the patient, rather than treating specific symptoms in isolation. Traditional Chinese philosophy states that our health is
- dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as Qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin.
- For any number of reasons, Qi may become unbalanced, which leads to illness. By inserting fine needles into the channels of Qi energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural equilibrium.
- To assess how the energies are flowing in an individual's body an acupuncturist will feel the pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of the tongue also give a good guide to a person's health.
- Holistic
Traditional acupuncture takes a - holistic approach, treating the
- whole person to regain the
- balance between the physical,
- emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.
Who can benefit from acupuncture
Some people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain health or strengthen the constitution. Acupuncture can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease.
- How safe is acupuncture
- Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all, although for babies and young children pressure rather than needles may be used.
British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) practitioners use disposable single use acupuncture needles. These are presterilised, are in sealed packs and are disposed of after each treatment. Acupuncture has proved to be effective in a wide range of conditions. These include:-
- pregnancy management and for the relief of pain in childbirth.
- infertility, menstrual problems and the menopause.
- overcoming addictions, e.g. smoking, alcohol, food, drugs.
- migraines.
- depression, anxiety and mental health.
- strokes.
- arthritis and rheumatism.
- asthma.
- sciatica, back pain and indeterminate aches and pains.
- circulatory problems It high blood pressure
- skin conditions and ulcers.
- general feelings of ill health, e.g. lethargy, nausea, dizziness- Contacting a qualified acupuncturist
It is essential for patients to choose an acupuncturist who is registered with a professional - body. BAcC members have extensive training in acupuncture and bio medical sciences
- appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK. They are covered by full medical
- malpractice and public/products liability insurance and are bound by codes of ethics and safe practice.
A patient's personal relationship and rapport with their practitioner is important. Patients need to find a practitioner they feel comfortable with, who understands what they want from treatment and who can explain clearly the benefits acupuncture can offer.
- Who can benefit from acupuncture
Some people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain health or strengthen the constitution. Acupuncture can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease. - How safe is acupuncture
- Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all, although for babies and young children pressure rather than needles may be used.
British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) practitioners use disposable single use acupuncture needles. These are presterilised, are in sealed packs and are disposed of after each treatment. Acupuncture has proved to be effective in a wide range of conditions. These include:-
- pregnancy management and for the relief of pain in childbirth.
- infertility, menstrual problems and the menopause.
- overcoming addictions, e.g. smoking, alcohol, food, drugs.
- migraines.
- depression, anxiety and mental health.
- strokes.
- arthritis and rheumatism.
- asthma.
- sciatica, back pain and indeterminate aches and pains.
- circulatory problems It high blood pressure
- skin conditions and ulcers.
- general feelings of ill health, e.g. lethargy, nausea, dizziness- Contacting a qualified acupuncturist
It is essential for patients to choose an acupuncturist who is registered with a professional - body. BAcC members have extensive training in acupuncture and bio medical sciences
- appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK. They are covered by full medical
- malpractice and public/products liability insurance and are bound by codes of ethics and safe practice.
A patient's personal relationship and rapport with their practitioner is important. Patients need to find a practitioner they feel comfortable with, who understands what they want from treatment and who can explain clearly the benefits acupuncture can offer.
