Acupuncture Treatment: Discover the Healing Power
Helping you back to wellness with Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional medicine that has been practiced in China and the Far East for thousands of years. Over time, it has been developed, tested, researched, and refined into a treatment option that more patients in the West are accessing. The first acupuncturists, without the benefit of modern scientific equipment, discovered many now-familiar aspects of biomedical science.
A growing body of evidence-based clinical research is uncovering the acupuncture benefits for a wide range of common health conditions. Many people seek acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, TMJ pain, headaches, and low back pain, or for common health problems like an overactive bladder. Some choose acupuncture when they feel their bodily functions are out of balance but have no obvious western medical diagnosis leading to treatment. Additionally, many individuals have regular treatments simply because they find it beneficial and relaxing.
The focus of a traditional acupuncturist is on the patient as an individual rather than solely on their specific illness, understanding that all symptoms are part of an interconnected pattern. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points, which are said to influence the flow of your body’s qi, or vital energy. Ongoing research suggests that the term 'energy' is somewhat simplistic, as inserting needles into the channels (or meridians) brings about change within the human body.
What happens when you come for treatment?
Your initial visit may take up to an hour and a half and includes a personal and medical consultation covering your family history, lifestyle, systems functions (e.g., sleep, appetite), and complete details of your current complaints as well as any tests or investigations you've had. You will also have the chance to discuss any concerns confidentially. After this comprehensive consultation, I will perform several non-invasive physical diagnostic tests, including measuring blood pressure, assessing temperature distribution, and pulse taking. In most cases, except the most complex, this will be followed by your first treatment. Subsequent appointments last up to one hour and include a discussion of your progress and treatment to date.
What does it feel like?
Many patients are worried that acupuncture may be painful; however, as the needles are flexible and about as thick as two human hairs, there is typically only a slight sensation as they enter the skin. Occasionally, patients might feel a dull ache at the acupuncture point, but this sensation is brief and usually not uncomfortable. Many find acupuncture relaxing and feel calm during and after treatment; some may even feel a bit tired or sleepy, so if possible, try to have a relatively restful and quiet day, especially after your first treatment.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments currently offered in the UK. In fact, a 2001 study concluded that the risk of serious adverse reactions to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. Any minor side effects that do occur, such as dizziness or bruising around needle points, are infrequent, mild, and self-correcting. For more information regarding acupuncture safety, please visit the British Acupuncture Council's website.
What’s the research?
The British Acupuncture Council has done an excellent job of sifting through extensive research on acupuncture benefits and has a dedicated page on their website to inform the public. You can access it for more detailed information. Additionally, there is a video on their YouTube channel that discusses the same subject, which I have included in case you are interested:
