What is Acupuncture?

"Acupuncture is the insertion of a solid disposable needles into accurate, specific acu-points along the energy channels to systematically balance and harmonize the flow and functions of the intrinsic energies (Qi) of the human body.
This is fundamental to the practice of acupuncture in Chinese Medicine for treatment, disease prevention or maintenance of health." Maria Mercati ©

What conditions can Acupuncture treat?

• Pain anywhere in the body
• Weakened immune systems that result in allergies and susceptibility to disease

All musculo-skeletal conditions

• Neck and Back pain
• Slipped Disc, Sciatica, Sacro–iliac pain
• Knee conditions, Tennis Elbow, RSI, Frozen Shoulder
• Pain due to Muscle, Tendon and Joint Injuries
• Sports Injuries
• Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Acute & chronic internal conditions

• Allergies, Sinusitis, Hayfever, Skin, Eczema, Asthma
• Diarrhoea, Constipation, IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• ME, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuralgia, Fibrositis
• Infertility, PMT, Menopause, Impotence
• Headaches, Migraine
• Earache, Tinnitus, Stop Smoking

Psychological & Emotional conditions

• Depression, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks

"Acupuncture does not take effect until the arrival of Qi. This is called Deqi. Inserting the needle into the skin should cause slight or no pain. The needle should go through the first layer of the skin quickly. Deqi can be an uncomfortable sensation once the needle is inserted. When the needle is manipulated (twiddled) the sensation should be as strong as the patient can bear. This is different for each patient." Maria Mercati ©

Signs of Deqi

• Soreness
• Numbnes
• Heavines
• Drawing feeling
• Sensation up or down the energy pathway
• Electric shock
• Feeling of a fish pulling on a fishing line
  Maria Mercati ©

Health & Safety for the patient

• Before needling the acupuncturist must wash his /her hands with soap.
• The area around the acupoints must be sterilized with 75% alcohol cotton ball or a propanol swab.
• Only sterile disposable needles must be used. These must be disposed of in a sharps container.

Therapists who are qualified to combine Acupuncture with Tui Na create some of the most powerful medicine available in the world today.