About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Acupuncture’s focus is on improving the overall wellbeing of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy, known as Chi, moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin.

When the flow of energy becomes unbalanced, illness may result. By inserting fine needles into the energy channels, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and so help to restore its natural balance.

The flow of Chi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma. The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to restore the balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.

(Chi is pronounced “chee” and is also written Qi.)