Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical procedure involving the insertion and manipulation of needles at more than 360 points in the body.
Acupuncture first came to the attention of the public in the West when President Nixon visited the Peoples Republic of China in the early 1970s. Since then it has become increasingly popular and has earned a reputation as an effective remedy for a wide range of medical conditions. There has been an increase in the number of professionally trained practitioners. Rising from just a handful of qualified acupuncturists in the 1970s to over 2500 registered with the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
Traditional Acupuncture is a holistic therapy and is based on principles of vitalism. Our health is maintained by the regulated and coordinated movement of Qi. Qi can be translated in many different ways, but it is our life force; the animating energy which benefits life and health.
Qi flows through a network of meridians throughout our bodies. These meridians animate our vital organs, circulating blood and regulates our vital functions (consciousness, memory, appetite and sleep). By the insertion of fine needles into core points of the body, the strength and smooth flowing of Qi can be enhanced.
The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These can include, anxiety, stress, anger, fear, grief, poor nutrition, hereditary factors, infections and trauma. The aim of acupuncture is to restore the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.
Members of the BAcC are bound by strict Codes of Professional, Ethical and Hygenic Practice.