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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is recognised by the World Health Organisation as an effective
form of treatment. Indeed, a British Medical Association report found
that 80% of GPs would like to see acupuncture available on the NHS.
Various studies into the efficacy of acupuncture have found it to improve
fertility, boost circulation, balance hormones, stimulate the immune
system, and relieve pain.
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into particular points along
energy meridians. These meridians are the pathways through which the
body's energy flows. Imagine a stream that has become blocked by rocks,
causing the flow of water to become disrupted. If you take a stick and
move the rocks you restore the waters smooth flow. This is similar to the
way in which acupuncture works.
When a fine acupuncture needle is inserted into a point it stimulates the body's
healing response. Acupuncture needles can be used to increase energy in a channel,
move a blockage, or calm excess energy depending on the disharmony. There
are twelve main energy meridians that flow around the body, and these are
all associated with a different internal organ.
When a needle is inserted you may not actually feel it at all; acupuncture
needles are very fine stainless steel needles that resemble hairs more
than hypodermics. When the energy reaches the needle you are likely to
feel a tingling, warm sensation, or a dull ache - the sensation is
certainly nothing to be afraid of. Acupuncture needles come in sterilised
packaging guarded by plastic guide tubes - they are used once only and
disposed of.
Many conditions respond well to acupuncture, and it can work alone or in
conjunction with any of the other Traditional Chinese Medicine practices.
Patients always report a feeling of deep relaxation at the end of a
treatment, and for this reason it is highly effective in conditions like
stress or anxiety. |
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