Traditional Chinese Medicine explains that health is the result of a harmonious balance of the complementary extremes of yin and yang of the life force known as Qi (pronounced “chi”).  Chinese Medical Practitioners explain that illness is the consequence of an imbalance of these forces.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi flows through meridians, or pathways, in the human body. These meridians and energy flows are accessible through acupuncture points in the body. Inserting needles into these points with appropriate combinations will bring the energy flow back into balance.

Articles suggests that many acupuncture points are at sites where stimulation can affect the activity of multiple sensory neurons. These sites are also known as receptive fields.

Why does it work

The physical stimulation of needle insertion at these sites may affect pain processing in the central nervous system and muscles and increase blood flow to certain parts of the body.

A study of acupuncture’s effect on chronic pain found that the practice can provide pain relief benefits distinguishable from placebo. However, the exact mechanism by which acupuncture works is not clear.

Embrace the holistic approach

Holistic therapies including acupuncture and reflexology are being offered to cancer patients through an ever increasing numbers of NHS trusts.  The state-of-the-art Macmillan Cancer Centre at University College Hospital London has been offering complimentary therapies since its opening back in 2012.

This serves to endorse the place of holistic therapies working with western medicine