Chinese medicine was developed thousands of years ago in the Far East and acupuncture was seen as a prominent branch of this ancient tradition. The Chinese call it Zhue Jiao and it translates as "needle heat". The needle regulates "Qi"; an inner force, which is responsible for the health of the body and with acupuncture controlling Qi energy the health of a person, can be improved by the release of stress. Pathways of Qi energy should flow freely in a healthy person and any symptoms of illness will indicate any barriers to this movement. The free flowing energy provides everything the cells need and removes all waste that has formed, the consequence being an improvement in the emotional and physical health. Symptoms of any illness will become manifest if Qi is blocked at any level.

The intention of the needle positioning is to regain an optimum flow of energy. The number of treatments needed are be influenced by the initial analysis. Regular visits to an acupuncture clinic are seen as a way of maintaining optimum health in China and Chinese acupuncturists only receive payment while their customers enjoy good health.

The common belief is that acupuncture is all about needles, but other techniques are also used including burning, herbs and electric stimulation. The instruments used are different with traditional practitioners utilising solid needles as opposed to the hollow tube, pre-sterilized, disposable needles employed by western doctors. The needle alone acts on the Qi energy and no medicine is used in most instances. The needles are inserted at a defined angle or manipulated for optimum results depending on the clients needs.

Regular visits to your acupuncture clinic will help to maintain an optimum flow of Qi and sustain the best of health. The number of consultations required is dependant on you physical or emotional health, from a single visit to several over a period of months. Different points for needle insertion may be chosen at each subsequent visit as your health improves. By selecting these changing positions the Qi energy is altered, eventually reaching its optimum level. The depth of needle insertion is dependant on the course of treatment necessary and can be up to a depth of three inches or just below the surface of the skin and most times the needles insertion is pain free. Some clients often remark upon an infrequent pinching perception. After insertion the needle can easily be forgotten and sensations of a warm and relaxed nature may be experienced at the insertion point when the Qi energy is being directed properly.

One of the most beneficial ways to improve or sustain good health is with acupuncture. As an alternative to conventional medicine more and more people are turning to Acupuncture. The benefits of this ancient practise are becoming better understood and encouraged by conventional western medicine.