Many people come to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or condition.  Research conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) demonstrates that acupuncture is effective in treating amongst others the following conditions:

• Hay Fever
• Depression
• Digestive disorders
• Dysmenorrhoea
• Headache
• Blood pressure
• Knee pain
• Low back pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck pain
• Postoperative pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sciatica
• Stroke

The effect of good acupuncture, however, is to do more than simply cure the symptom.  Acupuncture directed at restoring the overall energy balance will deal with the condition and also help the patient feel better in a general way. Hence the frequent comment, ‘I’m feeling better in myself’, which refers to such things as increased energy and vitality, greater enjoyment of life, greater confidence, better sleep or a more normal appetite.

This approach, where the whole person as well as the symptom is taken into consideration, is referred to as Classical Five- Element Acupuncture.

Many patients also come to an acupuncturist for preventive treatment.  An acupuncturist can often detect and treat an energy imbalance before the patient is aware of any symptoms.  The aim is to maintain health rather than overcoming a specific condition.