What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, it has been time tested over thousands of years and continually to be validated today.

The acupuncturist is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along these "meridians". Traditionally these areas or "acu-points" were stimulated by fine, slender needles.

Today, many additional forms of stimulation are incorporated, including herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. Still, the aim remains the same - adjust the "vital energy" so the proper amount reaches the proper place at the proper time. This helps your body heal itself.

How does Acupuncture work?

For millennia, the acupuncturist has been engaging subtle human energies, otherwise known as “Chi". According to time-tested principles unique to Oriental Medicine, the acupuncturist would assess and adjust the flow and distribution of "Chi" in order to promote health and healing.

So far, modern research has described various physiological shifts following acupuncture, such as beneficial changes in the body's own natural painkillers, anti-inflammatory agents, immune system functions and hormonal activity.

Benefits of Acupuncture?

  Drug-free pain relief
  Assists prevention against disease
  Holistic approach to any illness, linking body, mind and spirit
  Acupuncture is acknowledged as being effective in treating and managing musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, digestive, immune, respiratory, gynecological and urological disorders.

What does the examination/consultation involve?

An exam/consultation includes what you tell the practitioner about your medical history and what your body says: The appearance of the face and body build, the shape and colour of the tongue, the quality of the pulses, the feel of diagnostic areas such as the abdomen and back. An acupuncturist may test for weaknesses along the "meridians" and weaknesses in the muscles.

Don't the needles hurt?

Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair. The sensations that follow range from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/itchiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller that the standard hypodermic needle, do not draw blood and are solid, not hollow