Acupuncture is an ancient form of holistic medicine that involves inserting single-use needles into specific points on the body that relate to different muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymphatic ducts or energy systems.

Each treatment addresses your whole presentation as an individual, based on rigorous questioning and observation, including tongue and pulse diagnosis. This information forms your Chinese Medicine pattern of disharmony and guides the selection of acupuncture points on the day. The art of acupuncture also encompasses dietary and lifestyle advice from a Chinese Medicine perspective.

Acupuncture needles are not medicated or coated, they are simply stainless steel and encourage the body to activate it’s own innate healing responses to restore dynamic physiological function, reduce pain and inflammation and calm the nervous system. With this in mind, acupuncture can be used to address a variety of issues including musculoskeletal pain, digestive discomfort, hormonal imbalances, menstrual complaints, stress and fatigue.

The needles are inserted, stimulated and left in the body for up to 30 minutes each session. The number and frequency of sessions that comprise a course of acupuncture treatment will vary depending on your issue and your constitution, this will be discussed during your consultation. Generally, for musculoskeletal complaints, treatment is recommended twice weekly for the first two weeks to gain momentum, then reassessed weekly or fortnightly, with the aim of monthly maintenance. If your issue is chronic, more frequent treatment may be advised.

At Gisborne Health Essentials, our resident Acupuncturist, Michele Downes will tailor your treatment to address your individual presentation with a unique combination of massage, cupping and acupuncture.