Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments, both conventional and complementary, on offer in the UK. Acupuncture works through stimulating various points along specific meridians (e.g. Heart meridian). By inserting fine sterilized disposable needles into certain acupuncture points the body’s own healing response is activated in order to correct imbalances. Needles are left in between 20-45 minutes depending on whether one or both sides (front and back) of the body are treated. The insertion of the needle is almost pain free and people feel generally very relaxed after acupuncture. At our practice we only use needles made from the highest quality Japanese surgical stainless steel.
The selection of points, and point combinations is very complex and based on Yin and Yang theory as well as the Five Element theory and other basic theories of Chinese medicine. Another principle that is utilized is the relationship of microcosmos and macrocosmos in different micro-acupuncture systems. Different body parts (e.g. ear, scalp, abdomen…) represent the whole, and therefore the whole body (the macrocosmos), can be treated on a microcosmos, for example, the ear.
Acupuncture 2000
Our clinic also provides a type of micro-acupuncture, specialized in managing pain conditions: Acupuncture 2000. This system is also used to treat chronic eye disease and was developed by John Boel.
Cupping and moxibustion
Other forms of therapy are often used in conjunction with acupuncture such as cupping and moxibustion in order to enhance the therapeutic effect.