What is acupuncture?

In the 21st century, acupuncture is a reputable system of healthcare with increasing acceptance worldwide. It dates back over 2,000 years and of course has evolved slightly since then, but the basic principles remain the same. Founded on the philosophy that there is a network of channels running throughout the body through which our energy (Qi) flows. When Qi is abundant, harmonious and free flowing, health exists. When Qi becomes blocked, distressed or weak, disease occurs. By inserting very fine needles into very specific points on the body, an acupuncturist will affect Qi in the channels and thereby encourage the body’s natural healing process.

We in the western world are unfamiliar with the concept of ‘Qi’. Therefore it can easily be viewed as ‘far out’ or ‘whacky’. Instead try to think of Qi in terms of the energy needed for all our physiological functions such as the digestive process, the immune system, and even the energy required for carrying out our daily activities.  

Acupuncture is a holistic medicine which treats the entire person. Treatment is therefore tailored not just towards the presenting symptom but within the context of the unique individual. The beauty of this approach is that a patient often finds that other aspects of their health will improve alongside the original complaint that brought them for treatment.

In the knowledge that not one of us is in perfect health, many patients use acupuncture as a preventive medicine, coming for treatment every 4 – 6 weeks to help balance and harmonise their Qi and prevent symptoms from arising.