Acupuncture is a system of medicine that has been practised in China and other countries for over 3000 years.  In Chinese medicine, vital life energy called Qi flows through the body via a network of subtle energy channels or meridians.  Disease occurs when the natural flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, depleted or out of balance.  This can be caused by factors such as emotional stress, diet, overwork, infection or injury. Along each meridian are a number of acupuncture points at which the Qi can be directly affected.  By inserting fine needles into these specific points an acupuncturist can stimulate or sedate the flow of Qi to re-balance the person’s energy thus remove the cause of disease.

Each acupuncture treatment lasts one hour.  A full case history will be taken to assess your symptoms, medication, past history, lifestyle, diet and sleep.  Diagnosis is made based on your individual symptoms, examining the tongue and feeling the pulses at each wrist for quality, rhythm and strength.  A number of points on the body are carefully selected to be needled, typically 3 or 4 occasionally more. These are left in place for 20 minutes whilst the patient relaxes.

The number of treatments required varies since each patient is different.  The longer you have had the problem the more treatments you are likely to need, but most people notice the benefit after 4 – 6 regular treatments.  Sometimes only 1 or 2 treatments are required.