Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. This holistic approach aims to promote natural healing, alleviate pain, and restore balance to the body's energy flow. With its growing popularity, acupuncture has gained recognition as an effective complementary therapy for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, stress, migraines, and digestive disorders.

Homeopathy is a natural and alternative system of medicine that originated in the late 18th century. It is based on the principle of "like cures like," where a substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person is diluted and given in extremely small doses to stimulate the body's innate healing abilities. Homeopathic remedies are derived from plant, mineral, or animal sources and are highly individualised to address the unique symptoms and characteristics of each patient. This gentle and non-toxic approach is believed to stimulate the body's vital force and promote holistic well-being. Homeopathy has shown promising results in treating various acute and chronic conditions, including allergies, migraines, digestive disorders, and skin ailments.

Allergies: Homeopathic remedies may assist in alleviating symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and skin allergies. Digestive Disorders: Homeopathy can be beneficial in managing digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, acidity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation. Respiratory Conditions: Homeopathic remedies may aid in relieving symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, coughs, and sinusitis. Skin Conditions: Homeopathy may be utilized in addressing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and hives. Mental and Emotional Health: Homeopathy can provide support for various mental and emotional concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and ADHD. Musculoskeletal Disorders: Homeopathy may assist in managing conditions such as arthritis, back pain, joint pain, and sports injuries.

Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore balance to the flow of energy, known as qi (pronounced "chee"). Some conditions that acupuncture may be used to help manage include: Pain Management: Acupuncture has been widely used for pain relief, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, osteoarthritis, and menstrual cramps. Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture may assist in reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. It is often utilized to alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Digestive Disorders: Acupuncture can be beneficial in managing digestive issues such as indigestion, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and nausea. Respiratory Conditions: Acupuncture may help with respiratory conditions like allergies, asthma, sinusitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Women's Health: Acupuncture is commonly used to address menstrual irregularities, fertility concerns, menopausal symptoms, and pregnancy-related discomfort. Musculoskeletal Disorders: Acupuncture may provide relief for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal pain. Immune Support: Acupuncture is believed to strengthen the immune system and promote overall well-being, potentially supporting the body's ability to fight off illness and maintain optimal health.

The time it takes to see results from acupuncture varies depending on factors such as the condition's severity and duration. While some individuals may experience immediate relief or noticeable improvements after the first session, others may require multiple treatments for significant changes. Acupuncture is a cumulative therapy, and regular sessions are often recommended. Acute conditions may show improvements within a few weekly treatments, while chronic conditions may require more time. Dr. Valkal recommends at least 15 sessions to start.

Acupuncture is considered minimally invasive and relatively painless. The thin needles used typically cause little to no pain during insertion. Sensations may include slight prickling, tingling, warmth, or heaviness, but they are mild and temporary. Dr Valkal likens it to the bite of an ant.