Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of medicine which has been used in China for the last 3000 years. Its effectiveness is now accepted in various countries including New Zealand, especially as more people in our society dislike taking medical drugs Acupuncture aims of treating the person along with the disease.

The practice of acupuncture began with the discovery that stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs of the body.

The current practices have evolved into a system of medicine that restores and maintains health by the insertion of fine needles into points (called acupuncture points or acupoints) just below the surface of the skin.

These points are in very specific locations and lie on special channels of energy that are called meridians.

Acupuncture is just one part of the broader system of treatment known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which is based on the concept of an energy flow through the body called Qi or Chi. This energy is circulated through the body via 14 main energy pathways called meridians. Each one of these pathways or channels is thought to be linked to an internal organ. It is believed that if this flow of energy is believed, imbalances occur which in turn lead to health problems.

This block in the energy flow can be cleared away with the insertion of acupuncture needles at special acupuncture points along the meridians. When the needles are applied to the points the organ function is stimulated. There are 1,000 acupuncture points within the meridian system.

Acupuncture and acupressure (the stimulation of the points with the fingers and hands) treatments are aimed at unblocking the meridians, easing muscle tension, and stimulating the energy and blood flow so the natural healing mechanisms of the body are adjusted, striking a balance in the body.

When the patient is seen for the first time, the practitioner will take a complete history and then may take a strictly Chinese approach to medical examination or they may use a combination of Eastern and Western techniques. Palpation or testing of the meridians is often done prior to needle insertion.

When the acupuncture needle is inserted, a slight, dull pain, tingling or electrical-like sensation may be felt which is called the “De Qi” sensation and this indicates the Qi has been accessed. Once the needle is in place, no further discomfort should be felt. In fact, often the will be an occasional agreeable, tingling or warm feeling experienced along the meridians.

The needles are usually left in place for between 10 and 30 minutes. Depending on the conditions being treated. The removal of the needles usually causes no discomfort and only rarely is there any very minor bleeding from an insertion point. Some patients may require only 2 or 3 treatments, but others may require many sessions to achieve a successful outcome.

SINGLE – USE, STERILE, DISPOSABLE NEEDLES ARE USED IN THE CLINIC.

Traditionally, acupuncture practitioners have treated a large number of different illnesses; however the primary use is often to alleviate pain, but its therapeutic applications have been gradually expanding. Today, acupuncture is used in treating addictions, controlling weight and enhancing recuperation following surgery or the effects of a stroke.

Some common conditions that can be treated successfully or relieved by acupuncture include:

• headache and migraine;
• anxiety, depression, nervous tension, stress;
• addictions such as smoking and alcoholism;
• insomnia;
• digestive problems such as indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation;
• bowel problems such as colitis and haemorrhoids;
• live and gallbladder problems;
• kidney and bladder problems;
• respiratory problems such as asthmatic conditions, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, sore throat, earache, cold and influenza;
• skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis;
• muscle problems including athletic injuries, cramps, strains and sprains;
• arthritic conditions including the general pain of arthritis, sciatica, bursitis,tendonitis, gout
• toothache, gum problems and mouth ulcers.

Most new patients are amazed how painless acupuncture can be. However, when the correct stimulus of the needle has been obtained the patient may feel some heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation either around the meedle or travelling up or down the affected energy pathway or meridian.

Acupuncture is generally very safe. Serious side effects are very rare—less than one per 10,000 treatments.

You need to be aware that:

• Drowsinesss occurs after treatment in a small number of patients, and, if affected, you are advised not to drive.
• Minor bleeding or bruising occurs after acupuncture in about 3% of treatment.
• Pain during treatment occurs in about 1% of treatments.
• Symptoms can get worse after treatment ( less than 3% of patients ). You should tell your acupuncturist about this, but it is usually a good sign.
• Fainting can occur in certain patients, particularly at the first treatment.
• In addition, if there are particular risks that apply in your case, your practitioner will discuss these with you.

If you have ever experienced a fit faint or funny turn.
If you have a placemaker or any other electrical implants.
If you have a bleeding disorder.
If you are taking anti-coagulants or any other medication.
If you have damaged heart valves or have any other particular risk of infection.

Acupuncture changes the state of energy of the body and affects nerve and blood vessels as well as the tone within the muscles. For this reason, it is best to avoid heavy physical labour following a treatment. Avoidance of alcohol is also recommended. Otherwise no special precautions are necessary. Occasionally patients may notice a brief worsening of the symptoms of the condition prior to an improvement. More commonly there is relief from the first or second treatment and this is consolidated with progressive treatments.

Our treatment procedure will change slightly due to each individual patient's need, which we will provide professional advice accordingly.

1. Consutation
2. Acupuncture
3. Cupping
4. Tuina
5. Patches

Cupping therapy is an ancient islamic form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin; practitioners believe this mobilizes blood flow in order to promote healing.

Tui Na uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints. Like acupressure, Tui Na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points.

• a piece of plaster with herbal ingredients put over a injured body area.
• can promote the local blood circulation and help muscle relax and relieve pain.
• Basically, it can be kept on local body area for 24 hours, then take it off ; otherwise you can take it off early with skin allergy e.g. reddish skin, itching …….etc.