Acupuncture is just one weapon in the arsenal of Chinese medicine and has been in use for over 2000 years. A visit to the acupuncturist will involve; sticking your tongue out so that he can have a look at it and taking your pulse, for as long as 5 minutes, even if you just have a bad back. This may seem a little strange but these are essential diagnostic techniques and help us to decide on the appropriate treatment.

Acupuncture is based on the principle that an energy called Qi flows through our bodies in the 12 channels or energy “roads”. The belief is that if this flow of energy is disrupted, for example by some outside influence such as cold, wind or injury, then the careful application of needles to acupuncture points along the channel enables this Energy to flow once again. Thus easing the pain and more importantly encouraging the healing process.