Acupuncture

According to TCM theory, Qi circulates in the body along 12 major energy pathways called meridians, each of which links to specific internal organs and organ systems. When there is physical injury, mental stress or emotional conflict, the natural healthy flow of Qi is impeded within the meridian system over time. On each meridian there are specific points that function to re-establish the correct flow of energy: Acupuncture is the method of inserting thin, sterile needles into these points in order to stimulate and balance the body’s energy to restore health.

The western understanding of acupuncture relates more to the effect that acupoint stimulation has on the nervous, circulatory and hormonal systems of the body. It has been shown and documented that acupuncture can increase blood flow, stimulate the release of specific hormones, and promote an analgaesic effect to reduce pain. (To review scientific studies regarding acupuncture, visit our Research Page)

While the mapping of meridians is often similar to the known patterning of the circulatory and nervous systems, it is thought to be more closely related to your body’s electromagnetic field. One hypothesis is that meridians act as strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. This understanding would explain how meridians link parts of the body that appear to be unrelated from a western perspective.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed acupuncture as an effective treatment for the following conditions:

Musculoskeletal and Neurological conditions
Back pain, sciatica, muscle cramping, muscle pain and weakness, arthritis, neck pain, headaches, migraines, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, stroke, postoperative pain

Gynaecological
Infertility, premenstrual symptoms, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, menopausal symptoms

Others
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, neurosis, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, hyperacidity, indigestion, toothache, gingivitis, tinnitus, cataracts, poor vision, common cold, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, smoking cessation, addiction control, athletic performance, blood pressure regulation