Both acupuncture and Cupping are two of the oldest forms of natural healing known to man and are currently practiced on over a quarter of the world's population. They developed from early Chinese naturalist and Taoist philosophy, which teaches that for harmony to exist there must be a fundamental balance between two complementary and interdependent opposites of yin and yang.

Yin + Yang and your health

When yin and yang are in harmony a state of good health is maintained. When yin and yang are not in a relative balance Qi (Qi maybe considered to be the body's vital energy) cannot flow smoothly and so it becomes blocked, stagnant or weakened, resulting in illness, which can manifest as both physical and emotional problems.

The circulation of Qi

Qi circulates throughout the body in a network of channels or meridians (connecting all yin and yang organs, internal and external aspects of the body). Each acupoint acts as a gateway to the meridian so that the practitioner can stimulate the body's own healing process to restore it's natural balance. Since acupuncture and tuina encourage natural healing processes, there are virtually no side effects making them extremely safe and effective.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Needles are very fine (often as fine as a human hair) and designed to pass through the skin. There should be little or no awareness of the needle being inserted, the feeling varies and is often described as a warm radiating or tingling sensation as the Qi flows to the point (the sensation can be increased or decreased according to the patients body constitution and wishes).

During treatment people often feel so comfortable and relaxed they fall asleep. As well as relief from a particular condition patients often report such benefits as improved sleep, increased energy, vitality and concentration and an improved sense of general well being.

What your visit to Dan-Tien consists of:

Since acupuncture and tuina are holistic therapies, comprehensive assessment of your state of health and general condition will be completed by the practioner, using various methods such as observation, enquiring, palpating and listening. Only by using these entire methods can the practitioner piece together a picture of your general health, physical and emotional well being. Once the overall condition has been assessed, a treatment principle can be decided which may involve acupuncture, tuina (massage), acupressure, heat therapy or electric pulses to stimulate Qi in the meridians and re-balance the natural state of yin and yang and so return the body to a state of health and boost energy, vitality and well being.

Needle phobics:

Can be treated using tuina or other alternatives to needles (listed above) to stimulate acu-points and achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Please note:

All acupoints have specific and diverse actions examples shown here are simplified and should be taken in context. The diagnostic process enables the practitioner to decide the best combinations of points for the individual. The prescription therefore is unique for each patient's condition.

* All needles are sterile and disposed of after one use