Home | What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is part of the traditional medicine of China and is used as an alternative therapy in many western countries. Central to Traditional Chinese Medicine is the concept of qi (pronounced ’’chee’’). Qi is the life-force or vital energy which flows throughout the body.

In a healthy person the qi flows smoothly around the body. However if this flow is disrupted for some reason then illness can occur. The flow of qi can be disturbed by, for instance, wind and cold, diet, drugs, trauma or hereditary factors.

Chinese Medicine has been used and developed over the past 4,000 years. Many of the recognised treatments have been identified through practice. However, there is also an increasing body of Western Medical research supporting the therapeutic effects of acupuncture.

© Kate Henley 1997 - 2009