What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapy in which very fine needles are inserted into the skin at designated points chosen for their therapeutic effect. It originated in China, spreading to other parts of Asia and, eventually, to the West. The earliest written record of its use goes back 2500 years and it may be as much as 4000 years old.
Although introduced to Europe in the 17th century, the difficulties of communication have hampered its understanding and practice and it is only in the late 20th century with the free flow of people and ideas that has come with globalisation that its practice has grown.
How does Acupuncture work?
The practice of acupuncture is based on a sophisticated theory of the flow of Qi around the body. A satisfactory translation of this term has eluded Westerners. Perhaps the most useful way to think of Qi is to treat it as a way of describing and categorising phenomena, particularly those of movement and activity.
At the very simplest level, a good flow of Qi is associated with good health. When the flow of Qi is blocked the result is disease, pain or a sense of disharmony. Acupuncture points are concentrations in the flow of Qi and ‘gateways’ into the body: although relatively close to the surface of the body they have an affect at a deeper internal level. Needles are inserted into these points to help re-establish the flow thereby improving health.
Scientific understanding of how acupuncture works is still very limited. Research has focused on its analgesic (pain relieving) effect which, whilst increasing acupuncture’s credibility within the mainstream medical community, has also led to the belief that acupuncture does no more than relieve pain. From a scientific perspective acupuncture may be seen as stimulating the body’s immune system, self-healing capacity and homeostatic mechanisms.
Acupuncture Testimonial Star
"I had been in agony with tennis elbow for months and had to give up playing tennis. Then I was introduced to the marvels of acupuncture and after 3 sessions with Charles my tennis elbow was completely cured!"
Lorraine
CHELSEA, LONDON