Acupuncture is a very well established Chinese method of treating some medical conditions. It is acknowledged by many doctors trained in Western medicine as an extra therapeutic tool to be used as a complementary , rather than as an alternative , treatment for many ailments.

How Acupuncture Works

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been continuously practiced since 2,700 BC for over 4,000 years (which included the Yellow Emperor's reign), treatment of an illness by acupuncture relies on the balancing of the individual's vital energy or qi (pronounced chee)between two opposite phases called Yin and Yang. Acupuncture facilitates the flow of qi along several well defined energetic channels in the body to help it heal itself and restore the person to normal health.

Modern research has shown there is a sound scientific basis to acupuncture. Reports from the World Health Organisation and the National Health & Medical Research Council in 1988, as well as several recent reviews published since, do support this view.

Acupuncture is most effective when used as early as possible in the course of the medical problem after the appropriate medical assesment.