Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific body parts. It is part of traditional Chinese medicine and is therefore a holistic healing method. Acupuncture treatment was developed in China about 3000 years ago. Today it is often used as an adjunct to medical treatment. However, acupuncture should only be used in consultation with a doctor and should not be used as the sole treatment for diseases.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Acupuncture acts by activating the central nervous system, endocrine system, cardio-vascular system, immunological system, which are the body’s own regulatory and protective mechanisms. Therefore, acupuncture is effective in the treatment of functional diseases. It has no place in the treatment of structural diseases.

Acupuncture needles are inserted into certain points on the body. When the needles are inserted, the nerve endings are stimulated and the stimulation reaches the spinal cord via nerve pathways and from there to the centres in the brain. As a result, various chemical substances are secreted in our body and these substances reach the diseased area through the circulation and act.

Acupuncture regulates the immune system and protein cascade systems with local and central effects. It strengthens the humoral immune system (basic defence mechanism against bacterial infections) and the cellular immune system (delayed allergic reactions, tissue rejection, destruction of cancer cells, defence against viral, fungal and bacterial agents).