Traditional acupuncture is a just one part of an ancient system of medicine comprising many other aspects, including diet, exercise, massage, the use of raw Chinese herbs, cupping and moxibustion. Originating in China it dates back thousands of years and is now the most widely used system of medicine in our history. It is used to prevent illness, restore and maintain good health and promote well-being.

Based on the knowledge that we all have a flowing energy called Qi (pronounced Chee) running through our bodies. It is believed that Qi provides physical, mental and emotional functionality when its flowing free and unobstructed, allowing for good health and well-being.

Factors such as poor diet, lack of proper exercise, stress and injury can affect or obstruct the flow of Qi. Acupuncture, along with careful adherence to improving these lifestyle factors, can rebalance ('harmonise' as the Chinese call it) the body's Qi.

There are some 365 points all over the body that lie along meridians or channels where the Qi runs. There are 20 meridians, 12 of which relate directly to specific organs, the remaining relate to general areas of the body. Each point along a meridian has a specific function and as such can affect the Qi there under.

In direct contrast with Western medicine, where illness and disease is given a label irrespective of how the symptoms are manifesting in that individual, traditional medicine is more concerned with the cause of the disharmony in accordance with 'natural law'. So for example, Migraine is often down to a disharmony of Liver Qi or Liver Blood. In other words, one of the main functions of Liver Qi is to move Qi upward and around the body. If Liver Qi is stagnant it is not reaching the head and so the person gets headaches.

Against a complex set of patterns and syndromes a traditional acupuncturist will carry out an extensive diagnosis in order to establish the disharmonies occurring in an individual. Even though the disease label may be the same in different people, these patterns will be different and so it follows that the treatments will be unique to each person. This is known as the 'holistic approach'. See the section on Treatments for more information about what happens in treatments.