Accupunture

Acupuncture is an ancient healing method and philosophy originating in China perhaps as long as 5000 years ago. It is a useful healing modality which can be used to relieve pain (such as headaches and back pain), speed tissue repair after injury, assist ailments (such as insomnia) and promote general health. The aim of traditional Chinese Acupuncture is to remove obstruction to the flow of blood and body energy or Qi (pronounced "chi") so that balance is restored, and to warm and nourish the tissues. More contemporary explanations talk of; influences on the nervous system via stimulation of nerve fibers resulting in modulation of pain by spinal and brain mechanisms, removal of triggerpoints through direct stimulation, and/or restoration of disordered blood flow.
During an Acupuncture session, very fine needles are inserted into various areas of the body. There are numerous techniques in Acupuncture involving needling in all areas of the body, sometimes quite a distance from the problem area, and the technique used depends on the individual being treated and their particular condition. Insertion of Acupuncture needles is usually almost painless - in fact some people can't even tell that they have a needle in! Once the needle is inserted into the correct spot, sensations of tingling, numbness or swelling may be felt. These sensations are seldom painful, and if you don't like them, they can usually be avoided. Most people become aware of a warming sensation, both in the area being needled and in their hands and feet. After the treatment it is usual to sleep really well, to have an increased range of movement and decreased pain, (although some temporary post-treatment soreness may occur in a percentage of people - similar to what you'd feel after having a deep massage).
For best results with Acupuncture treatment, patients should be warm, relaxed, and not overly hungry at the time of treatment. People who are physically exhausted, fasting, or suffering from bleeding disorders should not undergo treatment. Pregnancy and the use of anticoagulants should be declared prior to treatment. People who dislike needles are often pleasantly surprised by their experience of Acupuncture. Side effects occur in a minority of patients. Some people experience a temporary aggravation of their symptoms, other reactions may include; fainting, euphoria, relaxation or minor bruising. Serious side effects such as organ puncture, hepatitis, or aids transmission are extremely rare when acupuncture is administered by a qualified practitioner (using disposable needles).

Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. Pain relief is one of its most successful applications and it can also be used to treat muscle injuries and stress related disorders. As it's fairly new to Western environments, many of the applications of Acupuncture have not been studied in properly designed trials, so over the coming years this will probably be an area of major change. Acupuncturists often report success with conditions such as; wry neck (torticollis) stress related disorders, sinusitis, hay fever, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, vertigo, acute shingles, facial nerve paralysis, gastroenteritis, strained neck, backache, some forms of sciatica, painful periods, drug addiction, morning sickness. As with most other forms of treatment, it is best to seek treatment early in the course of an injury or disease.