A Beginner’s Guide to Acupuncture

Acupuncture has existed for thousands of years, and whilst our understanding has changed, the basic methodology has remained fairly constant. It is based on the application of small needles, inserted into specific points on the body. This apparently minor procedure can have a wide-ranging impact on different aspects of your health.

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The Origins of Acupuncture

The history of acupuncture can be traced back to Ancient China. It became a central part of Chinese medicine, along with other therapies such as moxibustion.

Acupuncture has traditionally been a highly spiritual practice, based on the principle that qi, or energy, flows through the body and when that natural flow is interrupted, that is the cause of various health problems. To unblock the qi, acupuncturists would insert needles into acupuncture points, very specific areas of the body, leave them for a set number of minutes, and then remove them again.

Acupuncture Today

Today, acupuncture has spread across the world. You can receive acupuncture Tewkesbury. Some people still believe in its spiritual origins, but there has also been extensive scientific research into its potential benefits.

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It is most often used to treat headaches, migraines and chronic pain. The needles do not penetrate deep enough to cause harm, but they do encourage the body to start to heal itself by stimulating blood flow and releasing endorphins, hormones that can relieve pain and boost your mood. Acupuncture can also be a highly relaxing process, releasing tension and improving your quality of sleep, which can further improve your body’s ability to heal.

You may choose to have acupuncture in Tewkesbury on its own, alongside conventional medicine, or in combination with other complementary therapies such as moxibustion. As long as your acupuncturist is fully trained and qualified, and practices good hygiene with sterilised needles, it is a generally safe procedure that is unlikely to cause more than mild redness or soreness.

There is more to acupuncture than just randomly inserting needles into the body. The process has been researched and refined over the millennia to provide a non-invasive, non-chemical way to improve your physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing.