What is Acupuncture?
A Chinese medical technique, acupuncture has been practiced for more than 4,000
years and has been empirically proven effective in the treatment of specific ailments.
It is used primarily for the relief of pain but also for curing disease and improving
general health. Recent research – which included testing the thickness of the epidermis
over the acupuncture points – has confirmed the location of these points.
Acupuncture consists of inserting hair-thin needles through the acupuncture points
– that generally lie on pathways called
meridians. The needles are typically inserted 6mm to 10mm deep, but some
procedures require the needles to be inserted as deep as 25mm. The acupuncture points
are then stimulated using various techniques such as; gentle twirling, by heat,
or by stimulation with a weak electrical current. Acupuncture points also can be
stimulated by pressure (Shiatsu,
Acupressure, Tuina), and ultrasound. Recent developments have led to the use of
certain wavelengths of light.
The World Health Organization has publicly announced that acupuncture is suitable
for treating the following: -
Neurological and Muscular Disorders such as: -
- Headaches
- Migraine
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Facial paralysis
- Post-stroke paresis
- Peripheral neuritis
- Neurological bladder dysfunction
- Bed wetting
- Itercostal neuralgia
- Frozen shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer's elbow
- Sciatica
- Low back pain
- Osteoarthritis
Ear, nose, and throat disorders, uncluding: -
- Toothache
- Pain after tooth extraction
- Gingivitis
- Acute or chronic Otis
- Acute sinusitis
- Acute rhinitis
- Nasal catarrh
- Acute tonsillitis
Gastrointestinal Disorders, including: -
- Oesophageal spasm
- Hiccups
- Acute or chronic gastritis
- Chronic duodenal ulcers
- Acute or chronic colonitis
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Paralytic ileus
Respiratory Disorders, such as: -
- Bronchial asthma in children or adults (without complications)
Eye Disorders, including: -
- Acute conjunctivitis
- Central retinitis
- Nearsightedness
- Cataracts (without complication)
In addition, acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat other problems,
such as knee pain, sprains and strains, and most gynaecological complaints.
The depth of insertion of the needles is dependent upon the nature of the problem,
the underlying anatomy of the points selected, the patient's size, age, and
constitution. In general, needles are inserted from 6mm to 25mm in depth.
Needles should always be of the sterilised, disposable variety thus absolutely assuring
that there is no transmission of communicable disease from patient to patient due
to contaminated needles.
Although acupuncture is the insertion of needles, there are other techniques and
methods used by acupuncture therapists. The most commonly of these are moxibustion,
which is the burning of the herb mugwort over the affected area to heat it, cupping,
and electronic stimulation. Shiatsu,
Acupressure, and Tuina Chinese remedial massage are also used.
Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theory of Five Elements that describes the flow of Chi through discrete channels
or meridians. The Chi in each meridian has a particular quality: Fire, Earth, Metal,
Water, Wood. Illness is the result of an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Chi
through the meridians. Acupuncture is used to regulate the flow of Chi, increasing
it in areas of deficiency and decreasing it in areas of excess – thereby bringing
balance and harmonious flow of Chi.
Pro-Holistic provides Shiatsu,
Healing Chi Kung therapy, on-site massage, Stress Mangement courses, and Stress Mangement workshops. We also provide tuition in Chi Kung,
Tai Chi, Neijia,
and self defence.