What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of Chinese Traditional Medicine which includes herbs, dietary therapy and massage. It is an ancient system of healing and has been continuously refined during its 4500 year history. Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese Medicine which balances the body, mind and spirit. Very fine needles are inserted into the body at carefully selected points along the channels to stimulate the body’s own healing processes. These channels carry the flow of qi (energy) which provide a communication and nourishing system for the whole body. In simple terms the qi is the ‘vital life force’ of the body. It keeps the blood circulating, warms the body, fights disease and keeps our minds and emotions free and uncluttered. Disease occurs when there is disruption to the balanced flow of qi within the body. Consequently the aim of acupuncture is to remove any imbalances or obstructions within the body and to encourage the qi to flow smoothly. At Franklin Acupuncture and Wellness Centre you can expect a holistic treatment that encompasses all aspects of promoting wellness.
· You can expect to be treated on your first visit to the clinic. Moxibustion (warming of points using a Chinese herb, cupping, ear acupuncture and electro-stimulation may also be used.
· Needle insertion is relatively painless. Once the needle is inserted there may be a mild tingling, numbness or ache felt at the needle site. Sometimes there is an ‘electric’ sensation felt along the channel. All this usually settles after a few seconds. Response to treatment is individual and the length of treatment can vary.
· Anyone can have acupuncture and there is no age limit. Babies and children can be treated by acupressure, massage or by stimulation of points using an acupuncture laser.
· Pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal recovery are viewed in traditional Chinese medicine as a window of opportunity to enhance the woman’s wellbeing. Acupuncture is often very effective in treating many of the ailments of pregnancy such as nausea, muscular and skeletal pain, hypertension, breech babies, posterior presenting babies, labour preparation, induction, haemorrhoids, carpel tunnel, insomnia, oedema, thrush, threatened miscarriage, headaches and sinus problems, heartburn, anxiety and fear, anaemia and pain relief in labour.
· Acupuncture is usually very safe. Serious side effects are very rare – less than 1/10,000 treatments. We use sterile needles and are registered with the NZ Blood transfusion service.
· Acupuncture is recognised by the World Health Organisation to treat many disorders as per the following list: Addiction– alcohol, drug, smoking, anxiety, depression and stress management, pain management, headaches, respiratory disorders, carpel tunnel, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and digestive disorders, facial palsy, fertility problems, period disorders, PMS, menopause, bowel dysfunction, nausea/vomiting, sinusitis, sleep disturbances, stroke recovery, and arthritis. There is a growing body of scientific evidence from both human and animal studies that seeks to explain the mechanisms of acupuncture.
