Traditionally acupuncture is used for a wide array of conditions based on its historical use in China. From this broad base, western medical acupuncture has adopted a narrower focus restricted to medical conditions for which evidence has accumulated over the past 50 years. This includes:
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Pain, especially musculoskeletal pain including back, neck, shoulder and knee;
- Chronic headache, migraine and tension-type headache;
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Nausea and vomiting, particularly postoperative nausea and vomiting; morning sickness, cancer care;
Overactive bladder and stress incontinence;
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Gastrointestinal conditions and symptoms; IBS and IBD;
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Xerostomia (Dry Mouth);
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Dysmenorrhoea, PCOS, infertility, menopausal symptoms;
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Allergic rhinitis
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, disposable needles into the skin and/or muscle. The needles are left in place for anything from a few minutes to about half an hour, and can be stimulated manually or by using a small electrical current.
