What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles, thin as a hair, sterile and single use, into specific points on the body. These points are chosen based on your unique presenting pattern, so every treatment is completely personalised. In Western terms, acupuncture is thought to influence the autonomic nervous system, the system responsible for our “fight or flight” and “rest and digest” responses. Research suggests acupuncture supports sleep, recovery and repair, and digestion and pain regulation. It can reduce inflammation, and reduce pain by releasing endorphins.
Acupuncture is one part of a much broader system of medicine known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been developed and practised for over 2000 years.
Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches health from a different perspective. Rather than seeing physical, mental and emotional health as separate, it views them as deeply interconnected. Acupuncture practitioners look at the bigger picture, considering patterns across a person's whole presentation, rather than focusing on single symptoms in isolation.
Central to this approach is the concept of Qi, often described as the body's vital energy. Qi is thought to flow through pathways in the body called meridians. When that flow becomes disrupted, for example through prolonged stress, physical strain or emotional pressure, we can begin to experience symptoms.
Acupuncture aims to restore balance and encourage the smooth flow of Qi. It focuses on addressing the root cause and physical symptoms. In simple terms, it's about helping the body return to a state where it can regulate itself more effectively. Supporting rest, recovery and the body's natural healing processes. Rather than simply treating individual symptoms, TCM looks at the wider picture to understand what may be contributing to them. Your medical history, lifestyle and individual presentation all help to shape your treatment, allowing acupuncture to address both the symptoms and the underlying pattern.
Chinese Medicine also has a long tradition of supporting health and wellbeing before illness develops. Acupuncture can be used not only when something feels wrong, but as part of a preventative approach to help maintain balance, support resilience and keep you feeling well.
How can acupuncture help?
