Acupuncture Benefits and Natural Health Care
Acupuncture for Good Heath and Well Being
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine providing an alternative and complementary holistic approach to health and well being. Traditional Chinese Medicine has developed over thousands of years as a system of health and healing. The underlying theory is that Qi (pronounced Chi) flows through the body in energy meridians or channels. When the Qi flows smoothly and unhindered then the person is healthy, if the Qi becomes blocked or lacking in some way then ill health will result. To promote good health, very fine acupuncture needles are inserted into the body in specific acu-points which balance the body’s energy. Acupuncture benefits you as a whole being, treating both body and mind.
Acupuncture has become widely accepted in the western world and within the western medical community, with many clinical trials in Europe and America, as well as China, proving its efficacy for treating many conditions. Read more about the evidence for the benefits of acupuncture here and here.
Acupuncture benefits the person as ‘whole’. It benefits physical, mental and emotional levels
Some people turn to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or condition. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain good health, as a preventive measure, or simply to improve their general sense of well being. Because traditional acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation, it can be highly effective for a range of conditions.
Health Conditions Acupuncture Can Help With
People have reported acupuncture therapy has helped with such health conditions
- Pain conditions: Chronic pain, muscular pain, back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches/migraines.
- Muscular pain and tension caused by strain, injury, or other factors
- Anxiety, stress, and depression
- Digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Allergies and sinus congestion
- Women's health issues, such as menstrual cramps, PMS, and menopause symptoms
- Respiratory conditions, such as asthma and allergies
- Neurological conditions, such as neuropathy and facial paralysis
Specific Health Conditions Acupuncture Can Help With
- Chronic pain
- Muscular pain
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Headaches/migraines
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Menstrual disorders
- Fertility support
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Sinusitis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)
- Post-stroke recovery
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Sports injuries
- Tendonitis
- Emotional balance
- Boosting immune function
- Acne
- Eczema
Acupuncture Health Benefits
Holistic well-being benefits people have reported from having acupuncture therapy sessions
- Supporting emotional well-being and mental health
- Pain relief: Alleviates chronic and muscular pain, improves quality of life.
- Stress reduction: Activates relaxation response, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes mental well-being.
- Improved sleep: Regulates sleep patterns, enhances rest and rejuvenation.
- Holistic well-being: Addresses physical, emotional, and mental aspects, promotes overall health.
- Boosted immune function: Stimulates immune system, supports natural defense mechanisms.
- Increased energy: Balances energy levels, enhances vitality and stamina.
- Improved digestion: Regulates digestive function, alleviates indigestion and bloating.
- Menstrual/reproductive health: Manages menstrual issues, supports reproductive health and fertility.
- Respiratory health: Manages asthma and allergies, improves breathing.
- Rehabilitation/recovery: Aids in healing from injuries/surgeries, reduces pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture Benefits FAQ
Acupuncture involves the insertion of small, hair-thin needles into the body at specific points in order to treat illness and maintain health. The acupuncturist will choose which points to use on the basis of a detailed diagnosis, the needles are normally left in for 20 minutes.
Many people are put off acupuncture by the idea of needles. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used for injections or blood test. They are much finer. The experience of receiving acupuncture for the first time is normally a pleasant surprise, as the technique used by the acupuncture practitioner and the small size of the needles ensures that it is as pain free as possible. Most people find that an acupuncture treatment is pleasant and relaxing.
Many people who are scared of needles, have found that they actually enjoy acupuncture treatment. However, if you really can’t face the idea, you could consider which uses acupressure and can be used as a kind of ‘acupuncture without needles.’
As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, Rachel follows strict codes of professional conduct with hygiene and safety being of the utmost importance. The needles are sterile and come in sealed blister packs. They are used only once and then disposed of safely. All equipment used is of the highest quality and conforms to all relevant safety regulations.
Your first acupuncture consultation and treatment will last one and a half hours, with the majority of this time given to the consultation. You will be asked about your condition, medical history and general health such as sleeping patterns, energy levels, diet and lifestyle.
The acupuncturist will also take your pulse and examine your tongue. Subsequent visits will be shorter and will last no more than an hour.
The acupuncture needles will be inserted into specific points that relate to your condition and Chinese medicine diagnosis. These will often be around the affected area, but may also be at different parts of the body. The exact position of the needles is different from person to person, reflecting the individual differences between us.