Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world, originating in China more than 3,000 years ago.   Over 2000 acupuncture points on the human body connect with 14 pathways, called meridians. Chinese medicine practitioners believe these meridians conduct energy, or Qi, between the surface of the body and internal organs. Qi regulates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance. When Qi flow is disrupted, through poor health habits or other circumstances, pain and/or disease can result. Acupuncture acts to keep the normal flow of this energy unblocked. The intent of acupuncture is to stimulate the body, release energy blocks, and re-establish normal equilibrium, thereby facilitating the body's natural ability to heal itself. In the last 40 years, Chinese and Western studies have suggested that the insertion of needles at acupuncture points helps release some chemical neurotransmitters in the body, including endorphins. Indications of Accupuncture A wide variety of acute and chronic conditions exist for which acupuncture can be effective. According to the World Health Organization, following is the list of indications for which acupuncture can be used. Respiratory Diseases Acute sinusitis Acute rhinitis Common cold Acute tonsillitis Bronchopulmonary Diseases Acute bronchitis Bronchial asthma Eye Disorders Acute conjuctivitis Cataract(without complications) Myopia Central retinitis   Click here for scientific studies and information Orthopedic Disorders Periarthritis humeroscapularis Tennis elbow Sciatica Low back pain Rheumatoid arthritis Gastrointestinal Disorders Spasm of the esophagus and cardia Hiccups Gastroptosis Acute and chronic gastritis Gastric hyperacidity Chronic duodenal ulcer Acute and chronic colitis Acute bacterial dysentery Constipation Diarrhea Paralytic ileus Neurologic Disorders Headache Migraine Trigeminal neuralgia Facial paralysis Paralysis after apoplectic fit Peripheral neuropathy Paralysis caused by poliomyelitis Meniere's syndrome Neurogenic bladder dysfunction Nocturnal enuresis Intercostal neuralgia Disorders of the Mouth Cavity Toothache Pain after tooth extraction Gingivitis Pharyngitis acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body's meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi through the individual. The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods, including moxibustion, cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage, in order to re-establish the flow of qi. As a natural form of healing, acupuncture has the following benefits: * provides drug-free pain relief * effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic ailments * treats the underlying cause of disease and illness as well as the symptoms * provides an wholistic approach to the treatment of disease and illness, linking body, mind and emotions * assists in the prevention against disease and illness as well as the maintenance of general well-being Acupuncture is known to treat a wide range of disorders including: Neurological conditions such as headaches, migraines, difficulty sleeping, nervous tension, stroke, some forms of deafness, facial and inter-costal neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, some forms of paralysis, sequelae of poliomyelitis, peripheral neuropathy, noises in the ears, dizziness, and Meniere's disease. Cardiovascular disorders such as high or low blood pressure, fluid retention, chest pain, angina pectoris, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, and muscle cramps. Respiratory conditions such as bronchial asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, chronic cough, laryngitis, sore throat, influenza and the common cold. Digestive system disorders such as toothache, post-extraction pain, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, hiccough, spasms of the oesophagus, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric hyperacidity, gastritis, heartburn, hiatus hernia syndrome, flatulence, paralytic ileus, colitis, diarrhoea, constipation, haemorrhoids, liver and gall bladder disorders, and weight control. Urogenital disorders such as cystitis, prostatitis, orchitis, low sexual vitality, urinary retention, kidney disorders, nocturnal enuresis, and neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Gynaecological and obstetric disorders such as premenstrual tension, painful, heavy or irregular, or the absence of periods, abnormal uterine bleeding or discharge, hormonal disturbances, disorders associated with menopause, prolapse of the uterus or bladder, difficulty with conception, and morning sickness. Skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, nerve rash, herpes zoster, acne, scar tissue and resultant adhesions, hair loss and dandruff. Eye conditions such as visual disorders, red, sore, itchy or watery eyes, conjunctivitis, simple cataracts, myopia in children, and central retinitis. Musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, sciatica, lumbago, weak back, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tenosynovitis, shoulder and neck pain, cervicobrachial syndrome, "frozen shoulder", and "tennis elbow". Sporting injuries such as sprained ankles and knees, cartilage problems, corking and tearing of muscles, torn ligaments and bruises. Psychological conditions such as depression, phobias, emotional disturbances, anxiety, nervousness and addictions such as smoking. * The disorders above which appear in bold have been recognised by the World Health Organisation (December 1979) as having been successfully treated by acupuncture. The disorders which do not appear in bold above are other common disorders which have been found to respond well to acupuncture. Please contact AACMA if you would like further information on acupuncture , or if you would like the contact details of qualified acupuncture practitioners in your local area. The Wellbeing Centre Specialises in: Acupuncture,Chinese Herbal Medicine,Chinese Massage (Tui Na),Remedial Massage,Reflexology,Dietary advice,Qi Gong,Tai Chi,Tai Chi Sword & Fan,Chinese Massage & cupressure classes,Herbal Beauty treatment in manly,dee why,freshwater,balgowlah,collaroy,narrabeen,manly vale,seaforth,curl curl,queenscliff, brookvale,narraweena,fairlight,mosman,beacon hill,allambie heights,cromer,elanora heights,warriewood,mona vale,warringah,cremorne,bilgola,avalon newport,palm beach,cammeray. Contact at Manly Clinic (Main Clinic) 3/37 Belgrave St,Manly 2095,Sydney,Ph: (02) 99778789,Mb: 0403014319.Seaforth Clinic,3/559 Sydney Rd,Seaforth 2092,Sydney,Ph: (02) 99778789,Mb: 0403014319. Affordable SEO