Everybody talks about acupuncture – but what exactly is acupuncture and what does it do?
It is a gentle healing method, which was already practised in the second century BC.
How does acupuncture help?
Acupuncture can be used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), sometimes in combination with other methods (e.g. nutritional therapy), to treat all types of illness. In our culture, acupuncture has proven to be particularly effective for a number of conditions:
acute and chronic pain, such as
- headaches
- back and joint pain
- tumour pain
- migraine
- tennis elbow
- back pain
- slipped disk
For ear, nose and throat diseases, such as
- sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
- sudden hearing loss
- tinnitus
- vertigo
- relief of allergic symptoms
For respiratory diseases, such as:
- asthma
- hay fever
- bronchitis
- frequent colds
This list could go on, but I would like to limit myself to my area of expertise and knowledge.
How does acupuncture work?
Chinese medicine is based on the idea that illness arises from an imbalance of energies in the body. A person can have too much or too little energy, or energy that is blocked or dissipates quickly.
The so-called ‘meridians’ are the energy channels that run through our body and conduct our energy. Each meridian is linked to an organ and is then called, for example, the kidney meridian or heart meridian.
Very fine needles are used to stimulate individual points on the meridians. This regulates the flow of energy and restores its natural balance.
Most patients find acupuncture beneficial, relaxing and extremely effective even after the first few sessions.
When will I feel an improvement?
The duration of treatment generally depends on the length of the pre-existing condition.
In the case of chronic complaints that have lasted longer than 3-6 months, an improvement is usually felt after 3-6 sessions. This is also the right time to decide whether to continue the therapy.
How long does the success of the therapy last?
This depends on the type of illness. Sinusitis may be cured without antibiotics or the healing process may be accelarated.
Back pain may be reduced or completely disappear during a course of acupuncture. However it could return due to a sedentary office job or heavy lifting. Frequently one or two repeat sessions are sufficient to restore your well-being.
