Acupuncture is a gentle medical system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. It originated in China more than 3000 years ago and due to its proven effectiveness has been embraced throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as an effective means of treatment for a wide range of conditions. This recognition is significant in terms of health care as the WHO are recognised as a governing body for health the world over. Chinese medicine seeks to treat the whole person. Acupuncture may be defined as a method of treatment of treatment based on inserting pre sterilised single use only needles into specific points of the body’s surface. Interestingly the word acupuncture originates from latin and literally means, “ to stick needles”. The Chinese word for acupuncture (zhenjiu), consists of two characters meaning, meatal needle and heating. In that regard a broader description of acupuncture can include various techniques of acupoint stimulation for treatment including
• Needles
• Heat (using Mibustion Herb, also known as Moxssa.)
- Needle s
- Heat (using Moxib ustion He rb, also known as Moxa.)
WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT? The following list is only an indication of areas where acupuncture is used.
Allergies
Blood pressure problems
Infertility
Sexual dysfunction (low libido, erectile dysfunction)
Breech position in pregnancy
Induction of labor
Rheumatoid arthritis
Acute rhinitis
Common Cold
Acute Tonsillitis
Bronchial asthma
Depression
Stress
Insomnia
Central retinitis
Myopia (in children)
Cataract (without complications)
Gingivitis
Acute and chronic pharyngitis
Hiccough
Acute and chronic gastritis
Gastric hyperacidity
Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)
Acute duodenal ulcer (without complications)
Acute and chronic colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Trigeminal neuralgia (TMJ)
Facial palsy (early stage, i.e. within six months)
Peripheral neuropathies
Meniere’s disease
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)
Intercostal neuralgia
Cervicobrachial syndrome
