About Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment involving the insertion of fine needles into various parts of the body. There are two main schools of thought – traditional Chinese acupuncture, which is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA).

Western Medical Acupuncture, which Janine practises, is similar to Chinese acupuncture, but also applies our current scientific understanding of anatomy (the structure of the body), physiology (the healthy functioning of the body), and pathology (changes to the normal functioning of the body).

Western Medical Acupuncture also applies the principles of evidence-based medicine. The practice of evidence-based medicine involves integrating the best research evidence with clinical expertise and the values of the patient.

What does acupuncture do?

We know that acupuncture harnesses the body’s natural painkillers, including the most commonly known ones, endorphins and serotonin. It may also encourage the body to heal itself if it is able. It has a beneficial effect on health – patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing after treatment.

Modern research shows that acupuncture can affect most of the body’s systems – the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone outputs, circulation, antibody production and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

For more information on acupuncture and conditions treated see Janine Jones Acupuncture website.