What Is Acupuncture?: The main principles of acupuncture philosophy and principles of therapy are related to a form of alternative medicine (holistic healing) and is the practice of inserting tiny needles into nerve-rich areas of your skin in order to heal the flow of your life force or Qi. Acupuncture originated in ancient China and works by stimulating sensory nerves beneath the skin and in the muscles.
The sensation is not painful, but it does create a tiny injury, to which the body responds. Normally, a course of sessions with your therapist (or acupuncturist) usually creates longer-lasting pain relief than when a single treatment is used.
How does acupuncture work?: Initially, your therapist will discuss your needs, your medical history and any physical or mental complaints you may have. You will normally sit or lie down, and remove clothing from the relevant parts of your body. Your therapist will then insert the needles, which can be left for a period of time between a few minutes and half an hour, before removing them. #
Sometimes, the needles may be heated during the treatment, or even, in certain circumstances, a mild electric current may even be applied to them.
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and can be beneficial for many symptoms and conditions, including:
- allergies
- stress, anxiety and depression
- osteoarthritis
- chronic pain (often in the neck, back, knees, and head)
- hypertension
- labour pain
- insomnia
- menstrual cramps and PMS
- migraines
- morning sickness
- headaches (including tension headaches and migraines)
- sprains
- substance abuse and addiction
- strokes