Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been used for over 2000 years to restore, promote and maintain good health. In acupuncture the practitioner carries out a full traditional diagnosis to determine the form of treatment required by asking a series of questions, taking the pulse and looking at the tongue of the patient, and if there is a problem with a particular part of the body the practitioner might well examine it.

The treatment comprises of the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. These points are located and linked on channels that lie under the skin along which the body's energy or Qi (pronounced 'chee') flows. If these channels become blocked or deficient of Qi  ill health can follow. The points are chosen carefully by the practitioner to disperse any blockages and to create a better balance within the Qi which helps to stimulate the body's own healing. The more this balance is achieved and maintained, the healthier the body becomes. There are also additional treatments included in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which are carried out by acupuncture practitioners; moxibustion and cupping. Moxibustion or Moxa, is the burning of a herb close to the skin either in the form of a cone or in a stick to warm or nourish the Qi.

The herb is Artemisia vulgarise latiflora, which is similar to our mugwort which is dried and crushed to make a moxa 'wool' which is formed into the sticks or cones. Cupping is used to remove what in Chinese medicine are called 'Pathogens', by the placement of cups over specific acupuncture points by the creation of a vacuum. The cups may be left in place or they may be moved over the affected area. Acupuncture is one of the fasts growing complimentary therapies in the West. More and more people are finding it useful and effective means to improve their health and well-being. The Chinese have a saying "Good health is the root of happiness" and many people receiving acupuncture can bear this out.

Sian Lambert
07763124943
highview.acupuncture@gmail.com