Acupuncture Is one of the best known forms of Chinese Medicine in the West. The acupuncturist inserts fine needles into points which lie along the channels where the vital energy (Qi) and blood flow, to stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance. There are around 500 recognised acupuncture points on the body, of which about 100 are most commonly used. Stimulatio
n of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand i.e. Acupuncture bears little resemblance to those needles used in injections. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When a needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are left in place for about 20 minutes, during which time the patient may experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. Chinese Herbal Medicine is both an ancient and contemporary system of healthcare that is undergoing continual development as regards illness and disease. We use only plant substances – flowers, seeds, roots, bark and leaves. We do NOT use endangered species, or any animal or mineral product. Many herbs have well documented pharmacological properties and a wealth of modern clinical research attached to them.
