What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment which can relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions and may encourage the patient's body to heal and repair itself, if it is able to do so.

Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle, and can produce a variety of effects. We know that it increases the body's release of natural painkillers - endorphin and serotonin - in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received.

But acupuncture does much more than reduce pain, and has a beneficial effect on health. Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing after treatment.

Modern research shows that acupuncture can affect most of the body's systems - the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone outputs, circulation, antibody production and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

The practitioner will assess each patient’s case and treatment will be tailored to the individual; so it is impossible to give more than a general idea of what treatment might involve. Typically, fine needles are inserted through the skin and left in position briefly, sometimes with manual or electrical stimulation. The number of needles varies but may be only two or three. Treatment might be once a week to begin with, then at longer intervals as the condition responds.

What sorts of conditions respond to acupuncture?

Painful conditions

• Acupuncture is effective in a wide range of painful conditions and is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal pain; eg back, shoulder, neck and leg pain.
• It has been successfully used to treat headaches, migraines, trapped nerves, chronic muscle strains and various kinds of rheumatic and arthritic pain.

Some other situations in which acupuncture might be used

• Functional bowel or bladder problems such as IBS or irritable bladder, and even mild forms of urinary incontinence, menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
• Sinus problems, facial pains, allergies such as hayfever, perennial allergic rhinitis, and some types of allergic rashes such as urticaria or prickly heat.

This is not a complete list and many other conditions have been treated with acupuncture.

What is involved in having acupuncture?

Every patient will have an initial assessment, followed by a course of treatment suitable for the condition.

Treatment is usually provided in 3 to 6 appointments but may be less if the condition responds quickly. However, if the practitioner feels that your condition can not be treated with acupuncture, you will be recommended to see your GP or appropriate specialist.

The treatment itself involves fine needles being inserted through the skin and briefly left in position. Sometimes manual or low voltage electrical stimulation is applied to assist the process. The number of needles varies but may be only two or three.

Who will give the acupuncture treatment?

Dr Chong (GP) is a member of the BMAS (British Medical Acupuncture Society) and has undergone training in Western medical acupuncture. BMAS members work within the scope of their primary profession, and are able to use their orthodox healthcare training to assess and safely treat a variety of conditions that are suitable for acupuncture.

 

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