What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing which has evolved over at least the last 2,500 years. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body. Each point has a specific action. By using a combination of points tailored to an individual, acupuncture can effect change at a physical, emotional or spiritual level.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is based on the theory of Qi. According to ancient Chinese medical thought, Qi flows through meridians or channels within the body. When the flow of Qi is interrupted an energetic disharmony within the body ensues and illness may result. Acupuncture promotes the smooth flow of Qi in the body and thus has a regulatory effect allowing the body to return to its energetic balance.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles used for acupuncture bear little resemblance to those used in injections and blood tests. They are very fine and flexible. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling, dull ache, heavy or electrical feeling. It should not feel sharp.
How do I prepare raw herbs?
Follow this link for instructions or click here for a printable version.
What about Covid-19?
Follow this link for information.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
There is a vast body of research about acupuncture. As of 2020 there are in excess of 23,000 published papers listed on PubMed alone with over 3,000 studies receiving National Institute of Health (NIH) funding. Some of these papers are positive some are negative. In the UK the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has in its esteemed wisdom decided that it has the right to say what constitutes ‘acceptable’ research. They have decided that only double blind Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) fit the bill….. Obviously these types of trials are enormously expensive (millions of pounds) and as a result 99% of them are funded by pharmaceutical companies. Needless to say there’s not a lot of money available for large acupuncture trials like this…
All I can say to this is that I have been in full time practice for the last 20 years, so perhaps I might be helping in some way!!!