Shaila Karim BSc (Hons) DCHAc,CMIR

Introduction to Acupuncture

The origins of Acupuncture can be traced back to ancient China 5000 years ago. Often seen as a means of relieving pain, Acupuncture is a powerful treatment for many illnesses by stimulating the body's own self healing process.

Often many patients are concerned about having Acupuncture as the treatment uses needles. While this is completely understandable, the needles used in Acupuncture are extremely fine, almost as thin as a human hair. The sterile disposable needles are therefore virtually imperceptible and the treatment has a calming effect that reduce stress and induces deep relaxation even with just one 60 minute session.


How Acupuncture Works

In Traditional Chinese Medical science, the body possess energy referred to as Qi     ( pronounced "chee"). Qi is influenced by the opposing forces of "Yin" and "Yang". Chinese Medical Science shows that when Yin and Yang are balanced they will work together with the natural flow of Qi to help the body achieve and maintain optimum health.

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points around the body that have direct effect on the Central Nervous System. Many studies have shown the release of crucial hormones and regulatory substances in the body that can have remarkable healing effects. These are the same natural substances that keep your body in good health but do not operate in a balanced way when one has an illness. Acupuncture therefore harnesses the natural internal power of the body, mind and spirit to restore good health.

What to expect in a Treatment

A first consultation will begin by taking a deep account of your history and symptoms. This will include areas such as your emotional well being because in Chinese Medicine one is concerned with healing the entire person and not just trying to suppress superficial symptoms.

After the history is taken, specific areas of the body are treated with time for the stimulation to take effect and a period to get the body into deep relaxation. There is virtually no sensation during the treatment or the relaxation phase and most patients leave with a sense of calm, well being and restored energy.

Conditions

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture can treat a wide range of issues. Here is a brief list of some of the conditions that respond very well to Acupuncture :

Back, Neck and General Musculo-Skeletal

  • Headaches & Migraines
  • Stiff Neck
  • Back Pain
  • Dental & Facial Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Sports Injury
  • Arthritis

Fertilty & IVF

  • Proven to increase the effectiveness of IVF therapy to 80%

General Conditions

  • Allergies - Food Intolerance, Hayfever, Rhinitis, Asthma
  • Skin - Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne
  • Stroke
  • Gastric and Intestinal - IBS, ulcers, diarrhoea, colitis, hyper acidity
  • Diabetes
  • Colds & Flu - Respiratory Illness
  • Children's ailments - Ear infections, ADHD, Allergies
  • Pregnancy complaints and Labour Induction
  • Hypertension and raised Cholesterol

Mental and Emotional

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Depression
  • Addictions - smoking, drugs, alcohol, OCD
  • Insomnia