Acupuncture

Acupuncture is very different to most standard Complementary therapies as the philosophy behind it isn’t based on Western Medical Anatomy but Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM], it is not an Alternative therapy but a medical health treatment.

Acupuncture is the key treatment in Chinese Medicine and is used in varying forms throughout the world.

Acupuncture Therapy utilises natural energy known as Qi.

Qi flows freely throughout everyone’s bodies and within the universe. This is paired with Blood, Yin, Essence (Jing) and Yang. These are the 4 vital parts of the human body and flow in harmony for the person to be perfectly healthy.

When any of these 5 vital 'fluids' becomes imbalanced meaning in deficiency or excess or they blocked / stagnant they cause pain, inflammation or illness in the body.

Acupuncture rebalances the Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang and Jing promoting their smooth flow through the channels and ensuring they are not 'too strong' or 'to weak'.

In Western medicine, Acupuncture works by stimulates our bodies' own central nervous system enabling it to release electrical impulses to the spinal cord and brain; as well as stimulating chemical hormones into the bloodstream via the muscles which create a regulative response in the body through the endocrine system which triggers the human bodies self-regulatory homeostasis process and inflammatory responses. this promotes the feeling of health, well-being, relaxation and eases pain.

The vital fluids all flow through channels on the body that are like our own circulatory system, in TCM these are known as the meridians and there are 14 of them.

Some have the same names as western organs (lung, kidney, gallbladder etc) but they don’t always have the same function. There is a fine distinction between the meridians and western organs.

for example, the meridian gallbladder plays a huge role in our sinews vs the western gallbladder that is purely a digestive role in western medicine.

When an Acupuncturist makes a TCM diagnosis they are stating which of the 5 essential fluids are imbalanced, in which way and which meridian is involved; i.e. Heart Fire means excess heat in the heart meridian indicating anxiety disorders, agitation or sleep disturbances and has no actual bearing on your heart or circulatory disorder. These TCM diagnosis's inform the acupuncturist where to place the 'pins' to rebalance the flow efficiently in that meridian to relieve the root of the symptoms. The diagnosis in TCM is not to be mistook with a Western Medical Diagnosis; THEY ARE NOT THE SAME.

There are approximately 361 acupuncture points currently linked to the meridians, however there may be closer to 1000 acupuncture points on the human body and these are all located in gaps and holes already in your muscles and bones along the meridian lines.

The acupuncturist has a thorough knowledge of each acupuncture point, its functions and its interaction with other acupuncture points as well as a thorough understanding of the Human anatomy, musculoskeletal system and western medicine patho-physiology. with this knowledge they can select points to stimulate in combinations which eliminate the obstructions, boost any deficiency, drain any excess and promote smooth flow to be restored in the Qi, Blood, Jing, Yin and Yang. This selection may stay the same for every treatment in a course especially for more stubborn, chronic issues or may change per treatment to fit with the current time of year or whats happening in the patients lifestyle at that time.

There are many methods to stimulate Acupuncture points including: direct insertion from needles, indirect from pressure via magnets, seeds or massage, heat from moxibustion, suction from cupping, friction from Gua sham electrical-stimulation from TENS or electro-needle stimulation and laser stimulation.

What can Acupuncture Therapy do?

Acupuncture can help with many disorders from Arthritis to Skin Conditions however it is most known for its benefits in:

MUSCULOSKELETAL

Arthritis (all types)
frozen shoulder
Muscle cramping
Muscle pain and weakness

Muscle stiffness
bursitis
Sciatica

Bell’s palsy

Gout

Sprains / strains

Back pain

Neck pain

Shoulder pain

Knee pain

Leg pain

Hands / finger pain

Facial pain

Dental pain

Ear pain

Postoperative pain

Tennis elbow

Golfers elbow

Nurse maids knee

Bakers cysts

Torn ACL

Costochondritis

TMJ

Tietze syndrome Plantar fasciitis

Craniomandibular disorders

URINARY & RENAL

Irritable bladder

Bladder stones

Kidney stones

Irritable bladder

Bladder stones

Kidney stones
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction

Recurrent UTIs

Thrush

Cystitis

Prostatitis

incontinence

nocturia

CIRCULATORY

Hypertension

Raynaud’s syndrome

Ehlers danos syndrome

Vascular dementia

GASTROINTESTINAL

Gastritis

Nausea

Diverticulitis

Colitis
irritable bowel syndrome
Hepatitis
Haemorrhoids

Acute bacillary

Stomach spasms

Nausea

Morning sickness

Vomiting

Ulcerative colitis Biliary colic

Gallstones

Dysentery

Ulcers

DERMATOLOGICAL

Pruritis

Eczema

Dermatitis

Psoriasis

Dry skin

Acne

Rashes

Skin wounds

Ulcers

Acne rosacea

Alopecia

Jaundice

Urticaria

EAR, NOSE, THROAT

Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Allergic rhinitis

Hay fever

Sore throat

Tonsilitis

Laryngitis

Aphasia

Dry eyes

Meniere’s disease

Sinusitis

Nose bleeds

MENTAL HEALTH

Anxiety

Stress
Depression

Addictions

Schizophrenia

Phobias

PTSD

Nervousness
Neurosis

Anger / irritation

IMMUNO-LYMPHATIC

Cancer pain

Chemotherapy / radiotherapy side effects

Leukopenia

Shingles

Lymphedema

Sjogren syndrome

Autoimmune disorders

Inflammatory conditions

GYNAECOLOGICAL

Menstrual pain

Dysmenorrhoea

Irregular periods

Amenorrhoea

Heavy periods

Menopause

Hot flushes

Infertility

Delayed labour

Breech baby

Poor lactation

Sore breasts

Mastitis

PMT / PMS

Poly cystic ovarian syndrome Fibroids

Polyps

Prolapses

Endometriosis

Pelvic inflammatory disorder
leucorrhoea

Hormonal imbalances

RESPIRATORY

Bronchitis

Chest infections

Bronchial asthma

COPD

Whooping cough

Coughs

NEUROLOGICAL

Headaches
Migraines

Insomnia

Parkinson's disease

Functional neurological disorder FND

Non-epileptic seizure syndrome

Strokes

ME / CFS

Fibromyalgia

Epilepsy

Neuralgia

Paralysis

Motor Neurone Disease

SEXUAL HEALTH

Male infertility
Some forms of impotence

Low libido

Excess libidoa

The Acupuncture effects are wide ranging; treating you as a person not just your symptoms.

How long does Acupuncture last?

Since everyone is different, it’s hard to give a definitive answer to this question. The effects of acupuncture depend greatly on the person and the symptoms that they present with. Their medical history and lifestyle will also play a role in the length of the acupunctures effectiveness.

patients with minor injuries, pain or conditions present for less than 3 months may experience significant relief after just one or a couple of treatments; whereas those will more intense daily pain, severe injuries or chronic long-standing conditions that have been there years may need a course of treatment given on a regular basis.

essentially the effects of Acupuncture can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks; again this duration can be longer or shorter as the body needs time to rebalance. Some patients have weekly treatments, some fortnightly, possibly monthly, it really does depend on the patients constitution, health, response to treatment and of course their personal preference.

Acupuncture Therapy, is it safe?

Acupuncture is suitable for all age groups as it is deemed safe, effective and free from adverse or addictive side effects when performed by a qualified, licensed, registered and insured practitioner

As with all the treatments you may experience some mild reactions while the body is rebalancing itself. These common side effects include:

• Dizziness or light headedness as you get up (lowers BP)

• Minor bleeding or bruising from needle site.

• Petechiae (cupping/ Gua Sha only)

• Cold or flu like symptoms

• Changed toilet frequency

• Altered perspiration and heat regulation

• Deep vivid dreams difficulty in sleeping

• headaches

• Nausea/dizziness

• Aching and soreness

These reactions are temporary and should clear in within 48 hours; theses are positive signs that your body has responded to the treatment.

Severe injury from Acupuncture although rare, is not unheard of. Injuries of this type include pneumothorax, kidney damage or liver damage. This is extremely unusual in the UK where Acupuncture is highly regulated by the British Acupuncture Council and training is vigorously thorough.

Contra-Indications to Treatments?

Are there reasons I can’t have treatment?

With all therapies there will be a few conditions which may limit or prevent treatments from going ahead these include:

• Blood Pressure – treatment may be limited if BP is too Low and Refused if too High for safety reasons.

• Thrombosis / Embolism –if you have a current thrombosis/DVT, a history of Haemorrhage or taking medication for this i.e. Warfarin. Treatment may be limited or refused.

• Epilepsy –No electrical stimulation treatment is allowed.

• Diabetes – treatment can alter the insulin levels so need to be aware and closely monitored. Limited in insulin dependent only.

• Severe bruising – treatment will be limited.

• Inflammation – treatment will be limited.

• Cuts & abrasions– treatment will be limited.

• Recent operations– treatment will be limited or may be refused especially if post-op is less than a month.

• Fractures & sprains– treatment will be limited.

• Infectious skin diseases – treatment will be refused for condition such as: impetigo, shingles, Herpes Simplex, Ringworm, Scabies, Conjunctivitis, MRSA, Warts, Verrucae’s.

• Skin Disorders – treatment will be limited and possibly refused with conditions such as: Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis, Acne Vulgaris, Vitiligo, Rosacea, Chloasma.

• Pregnancy – treatment will be limited in pregnancy and may be refused in the first and third trimester of pregnancy.

• Cancer – treatment will be limited.

Please inform the practitioner about any of these conditions at the time of booking.

The most common question I get asked is, does it hurt?

With any therapy the response can and does vary person to person. Most patients would say its quite“relaxing.” and they usually leave in a lot less discomfort from when they walk in. Sometimes the effects are too subtle to perceive, especially in the beginning of the treatment.

Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair or pricking your finger with a pin. that short sharp shock then its over. The sensations that are experienced through a treatment range from nothing at all, to a mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. In chronic ailments that have been there years, response to treatment is slower than acute conditions.

How Big Are The Needles?

Acupuncture needles are usually made from stainless steel but can also be from copper or gold.

All are individually wrapped, pre-sterilised and single use. No needle is used more than once and infection control is a key aspect of the acupuncturist.

They are not like hypodermic needles but more pins. The average needle is slightly thicker than a human hair ranging from 0.07mm to 0.38mm thick. The length is usually from 0.08mm to 0.75mm so not that long. The tip is a conical shape allowing it to penetrate tissues separating muscles fibres, this makes it virtually painless and without causing damage.

Needles vary in size depending on where they are to be inserted and on who. Say you had a 90 year old patient you wouldn’t use the same thickness or amount of needles as you would say a 35 year old man. It’d be too strong. Equally you wouldn’t use the same length needle on someone’s thigh as you would on their finger. It’s all about judgement and using each individual person as the guide.

Electro-Acupuncture uses a battery-operated tens machine; this is attached to the needles allowing a current to electrically pulsate the needle sending a vibration into the meridian pathway. Alternatively, an Electro-Pens or infra-red lasers can be used to stimulate the point without the needle. This is less invasive and most often used on ear points and people with lowered constitutions such as babies or frail it is also useful for patients on Warfarin.

What can I expect at my Acupuncture treatment?

Since To provide dignity and comfort please wear loose-fitting or easily removable clothing.

the treatment starts with a full consultation checking your contact details, a complete medical history and understanding of your lifestyle. To assist in this please bring along any details of conditions you have currently or in the past; as well as a list of any current medications or over the counter supplements and vitamins you may be taking.

as part of the consultation the practitioner will look at your tongue, feel your pulse and may perform body / movement assessments as required to aid in the Chinese medicine pattern diagnosis and determine the acupuncture point selection.

the practitioner will then take you to the treatment area and insert the pins. in the event that clothing removal is required, this will be kept minimal and you will be covered with towels to protect your dignity as much as possible. the needles will be retained for anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes depending on the requirement. during that time you may close your eyes and quietly enjoy the sensations or you may talk if you prefer.

once the required needle time is passed, the acupuncturist will remove the pins, which may release a drop of blood which will be cleaned using a cutip. Often there is no blood on needle removable and a drop of blood from the needle site may result in some minor bruising for some. once the needles are removed and you are free to move again, its best that you bring yourself to a sitting position first and orient yourself before standing or leaving the treatment area. Do not rush as you may feel a little light-headed, dizzy, numb or stiff.

Following the treatment portion, the acupuncturist may give you some aftercare advice, take payment and arrange any follow up appointments. overall the appointment length for first acupuncture appointments could be up to 2 hours dependent on the consultation length. For subsequent appointments the length is usually anywhere between 45-90 minutes long.

Acupuncture Aftercare Advice.

To gain the most from your Acupuncture treatment, its recommended to do the following:

Increase your water intake over the following 7 days to enhance the detoxification process, you could also try more herbal or fruit teas and juices to assist the process.
Reduce Caffeine intake over the next 24 - 48 hours.
Avoid alcohol, energy drinks or recreational drugs for 24 hours after the treatment and 12 hours prior to treatment.
Try to reduce or avoid smoking, vaping and all nicotine / tobacco products over the next 48 hours.
Avoid strenuous activities, heavy exercise or long drives for 24 hours after treatment, your body needs time for Rest and Relaxation.
Avoid hot baths, Showers, Saunas, Sunbeds or Sunbathing for 12 hours after treatment.
Try to reduce stress, maybe try light exercise, going for a walk, breathing or mediation to help.
Avoid having any other treatments for 48 hours afterwards to prevent interactions occurring.
Diet is important; eat a light healthy meals; avoiding heavy, greasy, fatty or spicy foods for at least 24 hours after treatment so that the body does not need to concentrate on a sluggish digestion.
Where oils have been used, please leave them on the skin as long as possible.
Follow any specific aftercare advice given following the treatment.

Any therapy given during an Acupuncture Treatment (Auriculotherapy, Tui Na, Cupping, Moxa, Gua Sha, Massage, Aromatherapy ect) are subject to the practitioner’s judgement based on the consultation, patient presentation that day and the practitioners knowledge. These therapie’z are included in the Acupuncture price.

For Acupuncture prices please CLICK HERE