Ancient Knowledge and Modern Medicine
A tried and tested system of holistic health care which has developed over the last 2500 years in China and the Far East.
Today acupuncture is the most widely used healing system in the world.
Based in ancient philosophy, and practised using modern techniques, it has been shown to benefit millions of people worldwide..
Acupuncture
The western approach
From a western perspective, traditional acupuncture has been shown to alter the levels of many hormones, prostaglandins, and can affect the behaviour of white blood cells and antibodies. The biochemical changes alter and influence the bodies homeostasis mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Other modern theories are concerned with acupuncture’s effect on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and others.
Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress (Hui 2010).
The Eastern Philosophy
From an ancient perspective, ‘Qi’ or ‘Vital Force’ or ‘Bio-Energy’ exists and flows around our bodies via clearly-defined ‘Channels of Energy’.
The correct and optimum flow of this energy assists the bodies fight against disease and promotes wellbeing.
Whichever school of thought you subscribe to, there is a growing body of evidence to support the validity of acupuncture and its ability to help our bodies heal. I see plenty of anecdotal evidence on a weekly basis to have total faith in it’s efficacy.
Acupuncture in Paignton and Totnes
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a list of conditions and disease categories for which acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial.
The following list is by no means complete, but includes:
Asthma, Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Migraine, Nausea, Indigestion, Constipation, IBS, High blood pressure, Obesity, Diabetes, Neck-Shoulder / Back / Knee pain, Strains and Spasms and other soft tissue injuries, PMS, irregular or painful periods, Menopausal Syndrome, Fluid Retention, Skin Disorders, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Insomnia.
In addition, acupuncture can be used for treating addictions to smoking, alcohol and other substances.
Meet our Acupuncturist
Darren Stoyle our acupuncturist is highly qualified and experienced, and has been practising for many years
Darren has a real passion for his subject, and has studied and perfected a number of styles of acupuncture. He can help with a wide variety of ailments. Caring, friendly and approachable, with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Read more about Darren here.
What our patients say about Darren…
After many years of suffering with psoriasis, acupuncture has really helped me and my skin is almost clear now and I know acupuncture keeps it under control. I have more confidence and enjoy life a lot more. I also found the commonsense lifestyle advice that Darren gave me helped me to have more control over my condition.
After 4 months of suffering with tennis elbow and not being able to do my job properly, I thought I would try acupuncture to relieve the pain. After one treatment my pain disappeared and my elbow has been great ever since.
Excellent service and very professional
What can I say…?
I have fibromyalg
Thank you Darren for giving me my life back! I had thought I would have to give up surfing for good. Thank you for giving the enjoyment in life back to me
Always fantastic.
I saw Darren as a last resort after suffering with sinusitis for years. I wish I’d thought about acupuncture as a remedy. Right from the first session I started to feel better and 3 months later I feel great and haven’t suffered with pain since!
More Acupuncture Information
If you are interested in reading more on the efficacy of acupuncture and the research supporting it, a great place to start is evidencebased acupuncture.org
