Acupuncture

Principles & History

The principles of acupuncture were originally developed to ensure the longevity of the Chinese emperors. Eventually, the practice of health preservation and medicine became available to all Chinese people. Its success led to it being used throughout the East and more recently in the Western world.

Health is normally maintained by the body’s ability to correct imbalances, combat disease and repair damage. Ill-health can be caused by poor diet, life style, climate, disease and trauma overburdening the body’s defences. Modern medicine and Chinese medicine vary in how health and disease are studied, and consequently, treated but are similar in the way symptoms are grouped in patterns to reach a diagnosis. By assessing the symptoms of your disease or disorder, as well as all other signs and symptoms, your acupuncturist can determine what is going wrong and why it is happening. By diagnosing in this holistic way, a treatment plan can be made that is tailored to your individual needs.

First Appointment

Most of your first appointment will be spent exploring your medical history and full range of symptoms. During this time your acupuncturist will need to take your pulse, look at your tongue and possibly take your blood pressure. You will have the opportunity to talk about all areas of your health. Your life style, diet and family health will normally be discussed to help find the cause of the problem. After this, your diagnosis will be explained and a treatment programme discussed with you. You will receive a short treatment at the end of the session, unless your condition requires more immediate attention, in which case a longer treatment will be given.

Treatments

Given the body of evidence of how effective acupuncture is, there are still some people who feel anxious about trying it because it involves needles. However, an acupuncture needle is as fine as a thread and will cause little if any discomfort. Also, some people believe that acupuncture might be ‘too alternative’ for them. In fact, modern acupuncturists are trained in Western medical science and are bound by strict ethical codes of practice.

Acupuncture is usually done on the arms, legs, stomach or back. The number of points prescribed will vary depending on your specific needs.

During the treatment the points may be stimulated to induce a sensation around the local area. The acupuncture generally takes twenty to forty minutes. During and after treatments people often experience a sense of wellbeing and relaxation.

Disorders Commonly Treated

Acupuncture is a comprehensive form of medicine, and as such, it can be used to treat a range of disorders from aches and pains, stress and insomnia to hypertension, menstrual problems and much more.

At the Sharp End...

Developed in China about 2,500 years ago, using stone needles at first and later bronze, gold and silver. The first medical reference was in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, written around 300BC.

There are about 500 acupuncture points on the body, which can affect the body's 'Chi' or energy.

Fine needles are inserted into energy channels in the body called Meridians. Needles help natural healing processes or relieve pain.

Our acupuncturists are registered Members of the British Acupuncture Council, which oversees training, continued professional development, and ensures that their members follow a strict Code of Ethics and Practice and hold a full public liability innsurance.

Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?

Acupuncture can be combined successfully with other treatments including orthodox medical treatment. You should inform your acupuncturist of any other treatments you are having.

Length of Treatment

This generally depends on the severity of the condition, the length of time a patient has suffered from it, as well as the patient's age and general health. Acute conditions may only need one or two treatments, medium-term conditions may clear up in 6 sessions or less, and chronic, long-term conditions will mostly need more if they are to improve. A treatment plan will be discussed during the initial consultation.

Symptoms and conditions which may be treated with acupuncture (1)

Head, Ear, Eye, Nose & Throat

allergic rhinitis, hay fever, sinusitis

earache

tonsillitis, sore throat

Meniere's disease (endolymphatic hydrops)

Sjogren's syndrome (dry mouth &/eyes)

Neurology, Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, Pain Management

stroke rehabilitation

Tietze's syndrome (costochondritis, acute chest pain)

Tourette's syndrome (motor & vocal tics)

sciatica (irritation of the sciatic nerve)

sprains

epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

pain of: neck, knee, lower back, face (& spasm)

Bell's palsy (facial paralysis)

acute spine pain

carpal tunnel syndrome

osteoarthritis, gout

Gynaecology - Woman's Health

PMS, dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), menstrual cramps

hypo-ovarianism, polycystic ovary syndrome

IVF assistance

Obstetrics - Pregnancy & Maternity Care

induction of labour

foetal malposition (Breech presentation)

morning sicknes, pregnancy nausea

female infertility

labour pain

lactation deficiency