Acupuncture

The principle aim of Acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the equilibrium between our physical, emotional and spiritual aspects. Practiced in the Far East for thousands of years, Acupuncture focuses on stimulating the body's own energy through channels. This stimulates a healing response and restores balance. It can be used to treat virtually any condition, acute or chronic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practiced in China and other eastern countries for thousands for years. Although described as a means of pain relief, it is on fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.

What does acupuncture feel like? Most people's experience of acupuncture needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the acupuncture needles are inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.
Needles are inserted for a second or two or for upto 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just the relief from a particular condition Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.

Who has acupuncture? Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms and conditions. These might include anxiety states, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression, facial paralysis, fibrosis, high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines, rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions and ulcers.
Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It has proved to be effective in pregnancy management and for the relief of pain during childbirth. Acupuncture is also helpful for people trying to overcome addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food or drugs.
Some people may have acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves without being "ill" in the western sense. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary from one person to another.

What will happen on my first acupuncture visit? Your first consultation with the acupuncturist may be longer than subsequent sessions. The acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.
You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history, and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns, and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body , the acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health.
Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely cause of your problems,the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
There are around 500 recognized acupuncture points on the body, of which about 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in the foot or hand.
The acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment with MOXA, a smoldering her that is used to warm acupuncture point to encourage the the body's energy to flow smoothly. Other methods of stimulating acupuncture points including using lasers or electro-acupncture. Massage or tapping with a rounded probe are particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.

How often will I need acupuncture treatment? In traditional acupuncture philosophy, each person is considered unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Some change is usually felt after 5 treatments. Normally you are required to visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week at first, although some conditions may require less frequent attention.
Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic, and only one or two treatments are required. With other patients, the effects are more subtle and may need treatment over several months.

Should my doctor know I am receiving acupuncture treatment? If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription.
You should always inform your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment

Is acupuncture safe? All members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) must observe a code of practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilization for needles and other equipment, These procedures have been approved by the Department of Health and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases.
Patients who have been treated by a BAcC member are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service.