Acupuncture for Common Conditions

How does acupuncture work?
Chinese medicine (CM) theory is that blood & fluids travel through the tissues in circulations called jingluo 經絡 - which translated means 'Channels and Network Vessels'.

Most conditions involve a change in the circulations of blood & fluid. This can be due to a weakness in the circulation, or due to congestion and blockage, for a variety of reasons: some physical - such as a local injury - and some psychological - such as stress and emotional issues.

Musculoskeletal issues are often considered in CM to be the domain of the Tendino-Muscular Meridians (TMM). These are the muscles and associated ligaments & tendons that are nourished by the circulations of the Channels and Network Vessels.

Acupuncture uses fine metal needles, in specific points, to stimulate the physiology along these systemic circulations, strengthening them where it has become weak or clearing it where it has become congested or blocked, helping restore the normal physiological function of mind and body.

During an Initial Consultation we go through your medical history and combine these with CM diagnosis to develop an understanding of what is going on. Alongside discussing any specific symptoms, diagnostic techniques, such as channel palpation and pulse & tongue diagnosis, are used to identify issues within your system.

How much treatment do I need?
Treatment is recommended about every 1 to 2 weeks, while you have symptoms.

Once healthy circulation is restored, you may be advised to have treatment from time-to-time to keep your system working well, depending on the origin and nature of the issue.

Where do the needles go?
We generally use a combination of ‘local’ and ‘distal’ points. ‘Local’ points are on located near the site of any issues we wish to address. ‘Distal’ points are on your arms and legs (towards the ends of the Channels) below your elbows and knees.

I will always discuss what points I am going to use first and make sure that you feel comfortable.