Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient technique that has been used for over thousands of years. The first description including diagnosis and treatment using acupuncture needles was recorded in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine in 300 BC in China. It is a technique that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific sites on the body called acupuncture points (acupoints) to stimulate a therapeutic effect. The needles are typically left for 20 to 25 minutes, however this may vary according to the health condition of the individual.

According to research acupuncture has shown to activate neurohormonal pathways and stimulate biochemical processes in the body; it has also shown to stimulate specific nerves in the body activating the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. For example, acupuncture stimulation causes the release of hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, enkephalins, and gamma-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine and dopamine. In addition, acupuncture has shown to have a variety of therapeutic benefits for physical, neurological, mental and emotional conditions. It has been commonly used for conditions such as:

acute and chronic pain
respiratory disorders
gastro-intestinal disorders
insomnia
anxiety and depression
menstrual irregularities
infertility

What to expect during treatment

When the needle is inserted into the acupuncture point you may feel a slight initial sting as the needle goes through the skin, then you may feel tightness, tingling, numbness or a mild dull ache. These sensations may be felt in the local area or may be felt in other muscles away from the insertion area of the needle or there may be a combination of these sensations. It is normal to feel these type of sensations with acupuncture, these sensations indicate the normal reaction of the stimulation of the energy also known as Qi at the acupoint. The needles can always be adjusted by the practitioner if the sensation is uncomfortable.

What to expect after treatment

After treatment it is normal to feel aching or tingling a couple hours after treatment, you may also have some mild bruising at the needled areas which should subside after a few days.

Although acupuncture has a variety of health benefits, the use of acupuncture for each individual varies according to their health condition and a thorough consultation is required to determine whether acupuncture is appropriate to be used.