Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body in order to balance the flower of 'qi' (life force) through the body's meridians (pathways). A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain and manage stress management.

What is Acupuncture?

During the process, fine needles are inserted into specific points along the body's meridians, which releases block energy and restores the flow of qi once more. ​ ​​ ​ ​Acupuncture can be used to alleviate migraines, lower back pain, fibromyalgia, labour pain, menstrual pains, respiratory disorders...

History

Acupuncture first originated in China over 3000 years ago, and the oldest documented evidence of it, named The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, around 2600 BCE. This document includes detailed knowledge regarding the concepts of channels (meridians) where qi (vital life force) flows. Originally, instead of needles sharpened stones and long sharp bones were used around 6000 BCE for acupuncture treatment. These instruments could also have been used for simple surgical procedures like lancing an abscess etc. ​​ ​ ​ Between the 14th and 16th century during the Ming dynasty, 'The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion' was published, which explores the principles of acupuncture on which modern practices of this tradition rests. The book describes the 365 points that represent openings to the channels through which needles could be inserted to modify the flow of Qi.