Acupuncture is an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For more than 2000 years, it has been a complete medical system that diagnoses and treats disease, alleviates ailments, and provides preventative care.  Acupuncture is the most known TCM technique.  Needles are inserted at particular points on the body, influencing the flow of one’s energy (Qi) and clearing energetic blocks/stagnation. Increasing one’s awareness and consciousness about a given ailment can assist the healing process.  Making changes to one’s diet and lifestyle can also be of great influence.    

How it works 
The basic principle of acupuncture is to circulate one’s life force energy (Qi).  Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) flows along particular energetic pathways, called meridians.  While not visible, its effects can be recognised through various expressions of health.

Qi follows the laws of nature. For centuries the Chinese described the functions of the body and spirit through the observation of the natural world around them.  The dynamic of nature is expressed through a 5 element system that can be used to diagnose and treat.  Balance within a human, as well as between a human and his/her surroundings, are of utmost importance in achieving optimum health.  With any kind of disease, this energetic balance is disrupted. 

Treatment 
A detailed intake helps determine which treatment strategy to follow.  In most cases, the treatment begins with lifting energetic blockages, after which the constitution of the individual is supported.  Very thin sterile needles are inserted into specific points along the body’s meridians.  In this way the flow of energy is influenced.  After insertion of the needle a patient may sense a stiff or warm sensation as one’s Qi begins to flow.  This may last throughout the treatment.  In addition to acupuncture needles, I often apply moxa.  Moxa is a dried herb (mugwort) shaped into a cone or rice grain.  The moxa is placed on the skin or needle and ignited to create a stimulating and warming effect. 

Application 
People come to my clinic with a myriad of complaints: unidentified pain, emotional imbalances, headaches, stomach aches, insomnia, RSI-symptoms, back and neck injuries, menstruation and menopausal discomfort, and help in recovery from surgery.  In Chinese Medicine the entire person is treated, not solely the complaint or issue.  No person is the same, so every dis-ease is treated individually.  For example, a headache is a different experience for each person – as is insomnia, fatigue, and pain.  There are as many complaints as there are people.  Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of Chinese Medicine is its theory and practical application are suited to work with this huge diversity.