Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment technique that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body and is mainly used in this clinic for pain relief and restoration of function.

Traditional Chinese

The practice of acupuncture dates back several thousand years in Chinese culture. The Chinese believe the body remains healthy via a constant flow of energy called Qi.

When the body is functioning properly all systems are balanced and Qi flows uninterrupted. With dysfunction the flow of Qi is interrupted somewhere along its path this causes stagnation and imbalance within the body’s systems resulting in pain and injury.

Qi flows both deeply and superficially and through specific channels called meridians; these can be mapped out on the skins surface. Within the meridians lie specific acupuncture points that when stimulated can act on the flow of Qi.  It is at these points where needles may be inserted during treatment.

Western approach 

Clinical application of acupuncture in the West has greatly increased in recent years as a result of positive scientific research and is now widely accepted as an effective non pharmaceutical way of treating pain.

Research has shown that the insertion of needles into the skin stimulate the nervous system at both spinal and brain level causing the release of natural painkillers and therefore a reduction in pain and increase in function.  Clinicians may use traditional acupuncture points only, trigger points or a combination of both.

How safe is acupuncture?

Very safe in comparison to other modalities used in medicine

In our clinic we use sterile, single use needles only, so there is no risk of infection and clinicians are highly trained to follow the strictest hygiene standards.

Serious side effects are very rare less than 1 in 10,000 treatments.

Your physiotherapist will run through a detailed history and examination to assess your suitability to acupuncture.  You also need to alert the physiotherapist to any medical conditions you may suffer from such as diabetes, heart problems, low blood pressure.

Are there any side effects?

As stated previously acupuncture is very safe.  However some people do experience side effects, most of which are temporary and not to be concerned about.

• You may experience increased drowsiness or tiredness during and after treatment (especially on your first treatment).  We advise you not to operate heavy machinery or drive long distances after treatment.
• There may be some increase in your symptoms for up to 48hrs after treatment.  This is not a negative and often shows you will be responsive to the treatment.
• Minor bleeding or bruising can occur at the needling site after treatment.
• Fainting may occur in some patients and is more common during the first treatment.

We advise you to have something to eat prior to treatment and if at all possible avoid returning to a hectic, stressful; environment immediately after treatment.

Does it work?

As mentioned earlier, research has shown an active response by the body undergoing acupuncture which explains the pain relief patients report with treatment, it is not mumbo jumbo.

There may also be other beneficial effects on organs, stress and anxiety levels and other bodily systems, all leading to an increased sense of well being.

Acupuncture may be just 1 part of your treatment and your physiotherapist will often incorporate other treatment techniques, education and exercises to help with your condition.

Acupuncture is the cure for all things and does not work for everyone but a high percentage of people gain some relief.

Does it hurt and what should I expect?

There is sometimes a mild transient discomfort as the needle is inserted but as the needles are much finer than hypodermic needles they are often not felt at all.

When the needles are in place your physiotherapist will want to achieve a needling sensation called Dequi. This is desirable for effective treatment and is described by patients in many different ways, for example, fullness, heaviness, buzzing sensation or warmth.

How many sessions do I need?

This is a difficult question as treatment is specific to your presenting condition. 

As a rough rule the more chronic your condition (i.e. the longer you’ve had it) the more sessions would generally be required.  However we normally recommend you begin with a couple of treatments a week for the first 2-3 weeks and then reassess from there dependent on response.