Nourishing Life
Cultivating the Art of Change
Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture? 針灸
Acupuncture is a medical practice whose development has been documented for over 2000 years in China. Archeological signs suggest that earlier forms of acupuncture were practiced as far back as 6000 BCE. Acupuncture's migration to the West began in the last four centuries where it is practiced widely in private clinics. It is now making a minor appearance in mainstream hospitals and healthcare services with an increase of GP's also undergoing acupuncture training. Acupuncture continues to be practiced and developed as a principle method of Oriental medicine in Asian hospitals and healthcare services today. As a modality that has developed over a large spread of time and land mass, there are several different branches of acupuncture practice.
Acupuncture can be used as both a preventative medicine and to treat disease. Each acupuncture treatment is guided by Chinese medical diagnosis made through careful consultation, palpation, and reading signs on the pulse and tongue. During treatment, a practitioner uses the insertion of fine needles to come in to contact with a person's qi and influence its movement within the body. By gathering, dispersing or regulating qi within the vast channel network the practitioner aims to restore dynamism and balance to the body-mind system.
Acupuncture is usually experienced as having a very calming effect during treatment, whilst the aftereffects differ depending on the point prescription given and the patient's response to treatment. A series of 3-6 sessions is initially recommended to experience the full benefit of treatment.
When indicated; tui na, moxibustion, fire cupping, gua sha and the topical application of Chinese Herbal liniments accompany acupuncture treatment at Xin Yao clinic. A referral to a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner may be made to further support healing and recovery.