About Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very fine, single-use, sterile needles into specific points of the body, and at varying depths. From a western medicine perspective, this triggers a number of biochemical, physiological and anatomical mechanisms that result in improved health. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, this allows Qi/natural energy to flow freely around the channels (also known as meridians), in the body. Each point has an individual purpose and the practitioner will choose a combination of points to needle, specific to the individual person. TCM treats the whole person - physiologically (body) and psychologically (mind). It considers health as, not just an absence of disease, but as a balanced state of all parts of the whole person.
Acupuncture has become particularly well known for pain relief and to support pregnancy, fertility, and assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF.  In Europe today more and more people are seeking acupuncture and finding it effective for treating a variety of physical, mental, and emotional health-related issues. The evidence to support acupuncture has grown exponentially over the last 20 years. The British Acupuncture Council has also published factsheets which provide a summary of the evidence in support of acupuncture for a variety of conditions. Alongside the use of needles, there are many other techniques and treatments used in Traditional Chinese Medicine such as Moxa, Gua Sha and Tui Na.
Moxa
Moxa is a herb known as mugwort in the western world. Its therapeutic and health benefits make moxa a vital part of acupuncture treatment. It aids the circulation of Qi/natural energy and helps to strengthen deficiency within the body. The moxa is slowly burnt on or near the skin. The procedure is very calming. Moxa can be used with needles or as a stand-alone treatment.
Cupping
Using either glass or plastic cups, the skin is gently drawn upwards into it, creating a vacuum within it. The vacuum is created by either suction (plastic cups) or fire (glass cups). Depending on the reason for the treatment, the cups are either moved around the body or stay in place for up to fifteen minutes. Cupping helps to mobilise the blood, release toxins, and relieve pain.
Gua Sha
Guasha is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is 'scraped' to intentionally create therapeutic petechiae (spots) called ‘Sha’ which is caused by the extravasation of blood just under the skin. Gua sha stimulates blood flow, has an anti-inflammatory effect and, promotes the stimulation of the immune system.
Tui Na (massage)
Tuina is a form of massage which is based on TCM theory and acupuncture channels. It works on the basis that blockages within the channels are caused by injury or disease. These blockages lead to pain. A Tui Na treatment typically happens whilst the person is still clothed. It can be a standalone treatment or used with acupuncture.
Diet and Lifestyle
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, what we eat is hugely important to our health as this goes towards the quality of our Qi. Dietary and lifestyle advice is given based on the person's individual constitution and treatment needs.
Electro Acupunture
A small amount of electricity is passed between two needles using small electrodes, attached to the needles. This can help to increase your blood flow, relieve pain, aid poor circulation and remove potential blockages