What is Acupuncture?

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture and techniques resembling it are a tried and tested system of medicine used by the Chinese and other eastern cultures to restore, promote and maintain good health for over 5000 years.

The emphasis in Acupuncture is to improve the overall well-being of the patient by the insertion of fine needles into specific points located along special pathways or meridians where Qi energy is thought to run throughout the body.

Acupuncture points occur at specific locations where these meridians come to the surface of the skin. Other treatments may include heat being applied to the point using Moxa, a heating herb, Acupressure, a form of massage on the point often used by pregnant women or children, and electro acupuncture or cupping.

When I treat you with Acupuncture I will use both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Five Element Diagnosis to decide on the most effective points for your problem. Acupuncture is a potent therapy and my nursing and midwifery knowledge of conventional medicine will ensure that there are no adverse effects or interactions with other treatments you may be having.
Recent research into how acupuncture works has found that the nerve fibres carry and transmit the acupuncture affect and will work on the nervous system, muscle tone, circulation and allergic responses. There is also a response in blood vessels causing dilation or constriction in blood flow according to the treatment used.

The circulation of neurotransmitters and other hormones, particularly endorphins and serotonin, the body’s natural painkillers, will also influence respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. It also affects the way we perceive pain by modifying the way the brain receives pain messages.

At present the National Institute for Health and Clinical Effectiveness (NICE) has recommended the use of Acupuncture in the early management of persistent non-specific low back pain. See www.nice.org.uk/CG88 .

Because of increasing interest in Acupuncture considerable scientific research continues into the many areas of its use, science is showing how Acupuncture works and as further study takes place it may well be recommended for other health issues.

Currently it may be used in bowel or bladder problems, gynaecological problems, allergies, skin problems, sinus and chronic catarrh, dry mouth and eyes and stopping smoking.

What to Expect from Acupuncture

I will use sterilised, single use needles. These are so fine you can fit several down the bore of an injection needle. This ensures minimal discomfort for you, expect to feel a mild tingling or numbness in the area treated, this is called De Qi. The needle is left in situ for 10 to 20 minutes but you would not be expected to feel any further tingling or numbness during this time, you will just feel that you are gradually relaxing as you lie there.

Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition, you may need to be seen once or twice a week, fortnightly then monthly as the condition improves. Some clients may find that they may need only one or two treatments, while others may have a chronic condition which improves with acupuncture but may need top up treatments occasionally during the year to help keep the problem under control.

During the treatment we will discuss how diet and lifestyle changes may help support your treatments.