How does it work?
Acupuncture treatments involve the careful insertion of fine stainless steel needles into locations on the skin known as acupuncture points or meridians. Chi or energy flows around the body via 12 meridians or energy paths. There are more than 2000 meridian points on the body, and each point is linked to an organ e.g., lung, kidney or heart. The needles stimulate the flow of chi, rebalancing the flow of energy in the body, relieving pain and restoring health.

The benefits
Acupuncture is beneficial for relieving the pain and symptoms resulting from arthritis, rheumatism and migraines, as well as assisting in clearing insomnia, urinary infections, allergies and emotional problems. It can also aid those who wish to give up smoking, lose weight and treat addictions.

What to expect during a consultation
During a consultation, the client is interviewed and asked to fill out an extensive questionnaire. Diagnosis is made by observing the client's general physical appearance, such as the colour of the face, tone of voice, body language and coating of the tongue. Pulse diagnosis also plays an important role in determining the physical condition of the client. A trained and experienced Acupuncture practitioner can tell from reading the pulse which meridians and organs are out of balance.

The client is then asked to lie on a couch or remains seated while the Acupuncturist inserts the needles at selected meridian points. The needles are taken from sealed and sterilised packets to maintain high standards of hygiene and are used only once.

Acupuncture is generally painless, although some may feel a slight prickling sensation when the needles are inserted. The needles are left in place for anything up to 45 minutes, but usually a treatment lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Most people will respond to Acupuncture in four to six treatments.

Have you gone for Acupuncture? Share your experience in the comment box below.