Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic system of medicine that was first written about 2500 years ago. These scrolls are the oldest medical 'literature' known to humankind.
Treatment involves the use of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, moxa therapy in which the acupuncture points are warmed, massage (acupressure) and dietary therapy. TCM views diseases as coming from many origins and having different aspects in the body and mind.
The fundamental concepts are those of Yin and Yang. In health Yin and Yang are able to constantly rebalance. If there is disease in our body then there is an excess or deficiency in one or both of these. The other important concept in TCM is 'Qi' or energy. This Qi travels through specific pathways know as meridians that nourish the body, travelling along the limbs and connecting to the internal organs. Acupuncture points are areas along a channel where Qi concentrates. By needling these points, acupuncturists alter the flow of Qi in the channels and stimulate the healing potential of the body.
Research into the effect of acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbs have demonstrated that acupuncture can change levels of the body's painkillers, hormones and neurotransmitters. There are many natural substances in the herbs that can act to boost organ function, detoxify, calm anxiety or promote other bodily activities depending on the herbs prescribed.
All the acupuncturists working at this clinic are members of the New Zealand Registrar of Acupuncturists, and are ACC accredited. They use pre-sterilised needles, with new needles being used for each treatment. These are very fine, about the width of a hair; on insertion the patient may feel a warmth, tingling, numb or pleasant relaxing sensation. They will usually remain in place for 15 to 20 minutes.
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