ACUPUNCTURE

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese traditional treatment in medicine that involves the use of thin needles, inserted in the body at very specific points (Acupuncture points). The aim of the process is to alter and adjust the body’s energy flow into a healthier pattern of balance. It is a unique mode of treatment for many people.  Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive treatment approach to help millions of people to stay well and live healthier lives.

All needles used at Acupuncturist.London and Tonic are single use and are disposed of according to UK standards.   The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods, including moxibustion, cupping and Gua Sha, laser acupuncture therapy, electro-stimulation acupuncture and massage, in order to re-establish the flow of qi.

 Acupuncture the can have the following benefits:

•provides a drug-free pain relief option

•effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic ailments

•treats the underlying cause of disease and illness as well as the symptoms

•provides a holistic approach to the treatment of disease and illness, linking body, mind and emotions

•assists in the prevention against disease and illness as well as the maintenance of general well-being    •treats the underlying cause of disease and illness as well as the symptoms

•provides a holistic approach to the treatment of disease and illness, linking body, mind and emotions

•assists in the prevention against disease and illness as well as the maintenance of general well-being

What is Qi?

“Qi (pronounced as “chee”) is an abundant form of energy that flows as a current with the meridians and transfers information from one acupoint to where the pain is experienced. It is irrational and oscillates through the meridians with its protective effects from illnesses, pains and diseases. A person’s health is dependent on the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

How does Qi Move?

Qi permeates every part of the body through the meridians of acupuncture. The meridians channel system links all aspect of the body into one network of energetic communication. The diagram to the left shows the meridian pathways and each of which connects to specific organs and glands in the body. When meridian pathways flow, they bring back life to Qi, which transcends to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

What does an Acupuncturist Do?

An acupuncturist will first get a thorough idea of a patient’s medical history and symptoms, be it a physical or emotional problem. This is carried out through a long questionnaire and interview. Then the acupuncturist will head to examining the patient to find further symptoms, taking a closer look at the tongue, the pulse at various points, the complexion, general behavior, and other signs like coughs or pains. With the result, the practitioner can create a well-treatment plan for the organs and areas that are imbalanced. The acupuncturist will insert needles to manipulate chi on one or more of the twelve organ meridians. This painless and safe insertion of sterile needles can go a long way to unblock the obstruction and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi can freely circulate throughout the body, enhancing adequate nourishment to the cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This action can restore balance and harmony to the body, eliminate pain, and equally enhance the body’s ability to heal itself and leading to optimal health and well-being.

– Allergic rhinitis (perennial & seasonal)                                                               

– Knee osteoarthritis

– Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (with anti-emetics)               

– Migraine prophylaxis

– Chronic low back pain                                                                                             

– Postoperative nausea & vomiting

– Headache (tension-type and chronic)                                                                 

– Postoperative pain

– Acute low back pain                                                                                                 

– Modulating sensory perception thresholds

– Acute stroke                                                                                                               

– Neck pain

– Ambulatory anaesthesia                                                                                         

– Obesity

– Anxiety                                                                                                                       

– Perimenopausal & postmenopausal insomnia

– Aromatase-inhibitor-induced arthralgia                                                             

– Plantar heel pain

– Asthma in adults                                                                                                       

– Post-stroke insomnia

– Back or pelvic pain during pregnancy                                                                 

– Post-stroke shoulder pain

– Cancer pain                                                                                                               

– Post-stroke spasticity

– Cancer-related fatigue                                                                                             

– Post-traumatic stress disorder

– Constipation                                                                                                             

– Prostatitis pain/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

– Craniotomy anaesthesia                                                                                         

– Recovery after colorectal cancer resection

– Depression (with antidepressants)                                                                       

– Restless leg syndrome

– Dry eye                                                                                                                       

– Schizophrenia (with antipsychotics)

– Hypertension (with medication)                                                                           

– Sciatica

– Insomnia                                                                                                                   

– Shoulder impingement syndrome (early stage) (with exercise)

– Irritable bowel syndrome                                                                                       

– Shoulder pain

– Labour pain                                                                                                               

– Smoking cessation (up to 3 months)

– Lateral elbow pain                                                                                                   

– Stroke rehabilitation

– Menopausal hot flushes                                                                                         

– Temporomandibular pain