Acupuncture is a an in-depth health treatment that can be traced back to ±2000 BCE (although evidence suggest that it is much older and was practiced in areas such as Eurasia and Africa as well.) However, due to China's unbroken and highly sophisticated culture extending over 4000 years, acupuncture was able to develop and flourish into a comprehensive and well researched health care system. Support from the dynasty during the rule of the famous 'Yellow Emperor', Huang Di ( 2697-2597 BCE ) and successive dynasties/emperors onwards led to healthy discussion amongst physicians, writing of treatises (e.g. Nei Jing 305-204 B.C. ) and further proliferation of knowledge. Each generation researched the previous generations findings, checking their data and adding their own. The impressive result being a healthcare system with over four thousand years worth of clinical trials and data.

Which ailments respond well to acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a very versatile treatment and can be used for a wide range of acute and chronic medical problems. Metal needles are placed in the body at certain well defined points and manipulated to help bring the body back into balance, thus allowing it to heal itself. Musculoskeletal, neurological, immune, gynecological and emotional problems all tend to respond well to acupuncture. To illustrate acupunctures' wide scope of application a few typical problems are listed:

Back problems, sciatica, pinched nerves, lumbago, stiff neck, sports injuries, frozen shoulder, repetitive strain injuries [RSI], pain relief, depression, anxiety, stress, eczema, headaches, dizziness, colds, flu, bronchitis, sore throats, hayfever, sinusitis, asthma, skin conditions, respiratory problems, vitality, impotence, period pains, prolapse of uterus, irregular periods, infertility, heart problems, arthritis, recovery from stroke, digestive problems etc.

FAQ

How many treatments are needed?
The seriousness of the illness or injury, age and health of the patient will affect the rate of recovery and differ from person to person. A minor complaint might only need a few sessions while a serious or long-standing problem might require a regular appointment till the condition improves satisfactorily. Usually an improvement in the condition is noticed within the first three to four sessions.

Does it hurt?
It differs from patient to patient. Some patients feel only mild discomfort while for others it might be painful. When the needle is inserted it re-acts with the 'energy' in the body and what feels like a mild electrical shock is sometimes experienced, indicating that a connection is made with the chi flow in the body. The sensations may also vary from session to session and between different acupuncture points.

Most people recall injection needles when needles are mentioned, however acupuncture needles have very little in common with these. Acupuncture needles are flexible and very thin, similar in thickness to that of a horse's hair.

How long is a session?
Treatments usually last between ±40 min - 60 min depending on the injury or illness and the condition of the patient treated.

Is it safe?
All modern acupuncture needles are sterilised, sealed and discarded after use. In 1995, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified acupuncture needles as medical instruments and assured their safety and effectiveness. The US National Institute of Health also issued a report in 1997 stating that acupuncture is a very useful method for treating many conditions and made the recommendation to U.S. insurance companies to provide full coverage of acupuncture treatment for certain conditions.

Acupuncture often have side benefits. While undergoing therapy for one ailment, other problems may resolve concurrently, demonstrating the value of balancing the 'chi' or 'vital energy' within the entire person.

Where and how do I make a booking?
Treatments are available from Observatory, Cape Town. Fill in the form on the contact page or phone the acupuncturist directly with the number supplied to make an appointment.