How is it used?
What is acupuncture used for? Traditional acupuncture can be used as a preventive measure to strengthen the constitution and promote general well-being. Many people find acupuncture’s benefits extend beyond relief from a particular condition and can include increased energy levels, improved sleep and an enhanced sense of well-being.
How does it work?
An increasing weight of evidence from Western scientific research is demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating a wide variety of conditions. From a biomedical viewpoint, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system, influencing the production of the body’s communication substances – hormones and neurotransmitters. The resulting biochemical changes activate the body’s self-regulating homeostatic systems, releasing natural pain killing opiates and endorphins which promote physical and emotional well-being and stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.
Will it work for me?
Acupuncture does not work for everybody or for every condition, but good results are frequently achieved when more conventional treatments have been tried and failed. The effect of acupuncture is usually cumulative and builds up as treatment progresses. Some patients may feel worse initially, and most generally require at least three treatments before noticing any change.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture has a sound track record and adverse effects are rare. All needles used are disposable, single use and sterile. |Any side effects from acupuncture are usually mild and self-correcting, such as bruising, slight nausea, euphoria, sleepiness and residual muscle aching. Cupping can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Such bruising is painless and generally clears within a day or two.
