Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical system where fine needles pierce the skin to a depth of usually a few millimeters to a few centimeters with the aim of treating or curing diseases and disorders of the body. It has been a standard form of medical treatment in China for at least two thousand years.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that in the normally healthy organism, there is a continuous circulation of energy or life-force.

Where the energy fails to circulate as it should, vital organs may suffer from a deficiency or a disturbing excess of this life-force. Illness then results and this, in turn, can cause disorder in the circulation of this energy.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that in the normally healthy organism, there is a continuous circulation of energy or life-force. Where the energy fails to circulate as it should, vital organs may suffer from a deficiency or a disturbing excess of this life-force. Illness then results and this, in turn, can cause disorder in the circulation of this energy.

Acupuncture re-directs and normalizes the flow of energy.

This is possible because the limbs, trunks and head are lined with invisible channels known as meridians which are related to the various organs of the body. On these meridians are located certain peculiarly sensitive points. A needle inserted at one of these points will exert an influence on the organ related to the meridian on which the point lies. By pricking at a number of selected points, the normal circulation of energy is re-established and the patient is brought back to health.

Acupuncture can be used to cure or treat a very wide range of diseases and disorders. It can also be employed to tonify the body, improve sleep, relaxation and to give an enhanced feeling of well-being.

Acupuncture can also help smokers who wish to give up the habit. However it must never be seen as a panacea.

Acupuncture theory can now be classified into two domains: TCM acupuncture and western scientific acupuncture. The former includes the theory of yin, yang and the five elements, the latter takes into account only results ascertained from rigorous research, trials and theories supported by hard evidence.