About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a healing system that originated in ancient China around 5000 years ago, then spread to Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It’s traditional methods were passed down from father to son. Based on the theory that within the body, a fundamental energy called ‘Chi’ flows through a system of pathways or meridians. When these become blocked, an imbalance of energy occurs and the body can experience illness or disease. By inserting fine needles into specific points, (or combinations of points), using specialised needling techniques, the pathways are restored to normal , allowing the energy to flow freely once again, allowing the body to be balanced and thus heal itself. Chinese acupuncture uses the patients history (medical and emotional), together with their symptoms, Chinese pulse readings and observation of their tongue, to formulate a diagnosis. Needles can often be left in place for 10-20 mins or until the pulse reading changes. In Japanese acupuncture, emphasis is placed on abdominal palpitation for the diagnosis. Needles are finer and often left in for a shorter time, sometimes being put in, turned and removed in a single movement. Korean acupuncture places emphasis on current symptoms and pain. Within this system. there are additional points on the body, proven to be very effective in practice. The needling technique is deeper and needles are usually left in place longer. “Each system is unique and amazing, but together they form an enormous wealth of knowledge and techniques that it is a privilege to have studied”