Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an age-proven, efficient and natural form of healing and treatment of illness and disease. It is one of the most popular techniques of Chinese Medicine, used by many different and diverse people.

Acupuncture involves the stimulation of certain acupoints on the body with very fine, sterile, disposable needles.  This practice of Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to managing health throughout our body. 

How  Does Acupuncture Affect The Body?

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Research has demonstrated the many benefits for many human physiological systems:

• the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• blood pressure
• hormone levels
• the brain
• pain receptors
• the immune system
• cardiovascular function 

After a detailed questioning and observation study, a diagnosis will be form and I will formulate a set of  acupuncture points to be used. 

I will often include the use of cupping, herbal liniment, infrared heat lamp and cold/low laser therapy to enhance the effects of the treatment. 

More reading on Acupuncture can be view from the links below:

(Acupuncture Effect and Central Autonomic Regulation)

How Acupuncture Treats Cancer Pain: Biological Mechanisms

(https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-cancer-pain/)

Acupuncture’s mechanisms for treating cancer pain are thought to be similar to those for treating other painful conditions, whether the pain is categorised as acute or chronic.

These mechanisms have been researched extensively for over 60 years, and while there is still much left to learn about acupuncture mechanisms and the human body in general, the neural pathways from acupuncture point stimulation to the spinal cord and then to the deactivation of the pain centres in the brain have been mapped.8 9 Acupuncture has been demonstrated to activate a number of the body’s own opioids as well as improve the brain’s sensitivity to opioids.10 A number of other biochemicals involved in pain reduction have been found to be released and regulated by acupuncture stimulation, including ATP, adenosine, GABA and substance P.11 Acupuncture has also been demonstrated to reduce activity in the parts of the brain associated with the perception of pain and increase activity in brain areas associated with improved self-regulation.12

Refer to a study on the review and analysis on controlled clinical trials of diseases and disorders that can be treated with acupuncture Published by World Health Organization. 

What Can Acupuncture Treat ?

The World Health Organisation recognises acupuncture as an effective treatment for wide variety of problems, including the following conditions:

• Digestive Disorders – such as IBS, constipation, reflux, indigestion.
• Women’s Health Issues – such as menstrual cycle problems, hormonal problems, painful and irregular periods, menopausal symptoms, PCOS, fibroids and infertility.
• Men’s Health Issues – such as hormone problems, enlarged prostate, poor erectile function and fertility issues.
• Fertility and Pregnancy
• Headaches and Migraines
• Skin Conditions – such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and acne
• Musculoskeletal Problems – such as back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, strains, sprains, tennis elbow and fibromyalgia
• Arthritic Problems such as the pain and restricted movement of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other types of rheumatism
• Fatigue
• Sleep Problems – such as insomnia and night sweats
• Allergies, Hay fever and Sinusitis
• Common Cold and Flu
• Respiratory Problems – such as asthma, bronchitis and chronic cough
• Tonsillitis
• Cancer Support – to help reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, improve immune health and enhance recovery.
• Stress and stress-related problems
• Anxiety and Depression
• General Wellbeing – regular acupuncture is excellent to help maintain wellness and to take a preventative approach to your health.