Auckland Acupuncture Centre Ltd  Ph 630 9388   223 Balmoral Rd Mt Eden

What is Acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture is part of the natural medical system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); TCM has a recorded history dating back over 3000 years, during this time it has continued to develop into a well renowned and extremely effective form of medicine that is today practised throughout the world and is recognised by the World Health Organisation.

The TCM view of the body is that it is a whole inter-related organism that is influenced by many factors such as emotions, food, hereditary tendencies and the environment and that no one function of the body is separate, if this inter-connectedness is in harmony the body is balanced and there is health. Disease occurs when there is disharmony and imbalance in the body. 

The human body has pathways of energy flowing through it called meridians; these meridians connect and transport nourishment and information to all tissues and organs. Imbalances disrupt and interfer with the flow of energy in these meridians leading to pain, weakness and illness.     

Acupuncture treatment is based not only on the disease manifestation but the underlying cause of the disharmony; this holistic approach to treatment enables a natural return to health by ensuring that the original cause of the problem is treated and not just the symptoms.

Extremely fine sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the meridians in order to restore normal flow, stimulate and improve the body’s natural ability to heal itself.                                                                              

Extensive medical research over the last fifty years has shown that Acupuncture promotes the production of natural substances in the body vital to health, these include more white blood cells, a stronger immune system, better hormone regulation, increased endorphins (the bodies natural pain relief hormone), and has been shown to be able to elevate mood, increase energy and relax muscle spasm.

Tuina is the Traditional Chinese Medicine system of needle free treatment, it has three main aspects, Acupressure, Chinese joint adjustments and Massage all of these may be used alone or together to form a complete safe and effective treatment system.

Acupressure is based on the same fundamental principles as Acupuncture but no needles are used, instead various hand techniques are used. Acupressure may be used alone or in combination with acupuncture, Acupressure is commonly used on people afraid of needles or on young children.

Chinese Osteopathy is a system of manipulations used reduce pain, free up and lubricate joints that have degenerated or been injured.

Natural herbal medicine may be used as part of the treatment in order to supplement the body’s functions. Various plant extracts are combined together to make a herbal formula, most commonly taken in pill form. These herbal formulas are of the highest quality and are manufactured from “A” grade herbs according to both Australian and China national GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards and are licensed and inspected by the Australian Health Department. 

Qi Gong (Chi Gong) translated it means "energy work" it is regarded as the highest level of self healing, the purpose of Qi gong is to assist the body’s natural self balancing capacity by adjusting internal energy with one's mind and breathing. Qi Gong practice is completely self sufficient as no equipment is needed as all the work is done with the mind, the breath and some gentle movement. Qi Gong uses the body by moving it, it uses the breath by concentrating it and directing it in specific ways and it uses the mind by focusing it to achieve relaxation and to move energy.

Tai Chi Qigong Classes are held in Balmoral on Tuesdays at 6.00pm to 7.15 call for details

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 630-9388, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at info@aac.net.nz

"For every disease that afflicts mankind, there is a treatment or cure occurring naturally on the earth                                                                                                                               

Dr Norman Fansworth, pharmacologist

This page was last updateed 01/09/2010

(c) Copyright Auckland Acupuncture Centre Limited. All rights reserved.

what is acupuncture

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