Traditional Chinese medicine: acupuncture

Acupuncture is part of a method of healing known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM), that originated in China about 3000 years BC. The complete system of healing includes Chinese Herbalism, Acupressure, exercise (Tai Chi and Qi Gong) and diet.
No one can say for certain how Acupuncture came into being but, it seems likely that it stems from observations of how specific diseases reacted to pressure on points on the body. Over time, anatomical charts were derived that connected points that corresponded to a specific disease. The lines thus connected, are known as meridians; there are twenty four of them arranged into twelve pairs plus two more that run on the centre line of the body (front and back), giving a total of fourteen meridians.

Central to the philosophy of Acupuncture (and TCM) is the flow of energy around the body via the meridians: as it flows, it nourishes all vital processes. In addition, the concept of Yin and Yang takes into account the energy of the universe (of which the body is a part): Yin is feminine and is the stable, conserving and receiving aspect; Yang is masculine and is the creative, providing and giving aspect. The interaction of Yin and Yang gives rise to the concept of the flow of Qi (Chee) energy. An imbalance on Qi energy gives rise to ill health. When there is an excess or a deficiency of Qi energy, the Acupuncturist will insert a needle into the appropriate point and redirect energy as required, thus, restoring the balance of energy throughout the body.

For infants and children, Acupuncture can help with many problems including: abdominal pain; constipation/diarrhoea; coughs and colds; fever; nasal congestion; allergies; nausea and vomiting; nose bleeds.

For adults, Acupuncture may help with a wide range of problems. In addition to those mentioned for children, other conditions that may be helped are: abdominal distension; piles; chest pains; vertigo; frequent/painful urination; frozen shoulder; insomnia; gynaecological problems.