According to traditional Chinese philosophy, acupuncture is concerned with the movement of Qi – the body’s vital energy – through a network of meridians or pathways. Pain and illness occur when these meridians become blocked.
Over the years, numerous studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment for many problems. In physiotherapy practice, it’s used to alleviate pain and restore body function in affected areas.
How does acupuncture work? Simple: scientific research has shown that it stimulates the brain, releasing natural chemicals called endorphins. When endorphins are released in the body, the result is pain relief, general relaxation and a biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems.
Stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities creates several beneficial side effects: a reduction of inflammation, physical and emotional well-being – and improved overall health. Acupuncture also genuinely relieves pain, rather than just covering it up.
Acupuncture also works well in conjunction with physiotherapy treatments. This allows for a fuller – and possibly quicker – recovery and return to function.
Many conditions are effectively treated with acupuncture. Here’s a partial list of physical ailments that may respond well to acupuncture:
- Neck disorders
- Low back pain
- Headache – tension, migraine
- Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Tennis elbow
- Whiplash
- Bell’s Palsy
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Pain from shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia)
- TMJ disorders
- Myofascial pain
- Disc protrusion
What to expect from an acupuncture treatment
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of needles which are as fine as a human hair.
They are placed in specific points (acupoints) on the body which may be at the site of pain or far away from the pain in points that influence the region of pain. The procedure is virtually painless. Only single use, sterile, disposable needles are used.