What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of ancient Chinese medicine that has been practiced for over 2500 years. Over time it has been developed, researched and trialled into a well-recognised system of treatment which is used all over the world. An increasing body of evidence-based clinical research is now discovering how and why the body responds to acupuncture and the specific benefits it has for a wide range of health conditions.
A traditional acupuncturist focuses on treating the whole person, rather than just their symptom or condition. Symptoms, whether physical or emotional, are viewed as interconnected and part of wider patterns of disharmony in health. Acupuncture works to restore these disharmonies to bring the mind and body back into balance, and relieve symptoms.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine that can be used to manage conditions and maintain good health. Patients come to acupuncture for a wide variety of reasons. Common conditions such as migraines, anxiety, lower back ache, osteoarthritis, IBS, chronic fatigue syndrome, fertility problems, and menopausal symptoms are often seen in the clinic. Some people come to acupuncture as they just don’t feel themselves, need some support through a difficult period in their life or haven’t found a solution in Western medical treatments. Many people turn to acupuncture when they know they are unwell but have no obvious diagnosis in Western medicine and need a different view of their health.
What to expect
Your first appointment will take around 1.5 hours. During the consultation, Charlotte will take a full medical history, find out about your lifestyle and take an in-depth look at the complaint or symptom you would like treatment for. All consultations are done in complete confidence so you have the chance to discuss anything that is troubling you. Short and non-invasive physical tests and diagnostics will be conducted such as taking pulses, examining the tongue and taking blood pressure. This is followed by the first acupuncture treatment. Each treatment is completely individual as it is tailored to a specific diagnosis. All follow up appointments start with a catch-up about your progress and symptoms, followed by treatment. This lasts 45 minutes - 1 hour.
Acupuncture techniques
-
Acupuncture
Treatment involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. Needles are either left in whilst you rest, or inserted and removed quickly. Most people feel deeply relaxed during treatment.
-
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (or moxa) is dried mugwort (artemisia vulgaris). It is used to warm acupuncture points and is used in many treatments. Its therapeutic benefits include warming the body, building energy and enhancing the effect of the acupuncture.
-
Cupping
Cupping can be incorporated into acupuncture or given as a standalone treatment. Suction cups draw the muscles and skin into the cups which relieve tension and stagnation, increasing blood flow to the area and reducing inflammation.
-
Gua sha
Gua sha is an ancient healing technique where the skin is scraped with a rounded edged tool. It relieves stagnation that is causing pain, and increases circulation to the area.
It temporarily leaves tiny red, painless dots on the skin (petechiae). These are the natural and positive effect of treatment and not a cause for concern.
Acupuncture FAQs
-
Although it is usual to feel a mild tingle or dull ache when the needle is adjusted, acupuncture doesn’t hurt. The needles are very thin, about the width of 2 hairs, so you sometimes don’t even notice they have been inserted. Acupuncture is a deeply relaxing treatment.
-
Traditional acupuncture works by directing the flow of qi (vital energy) around the body to trigger the body’s healing response and restore physical, emotional and mental equilibrium. Moving qi with acupuncture helps to improve deficiencies, remove excesses and clear blockages. This enables the free flow of qi which benefits physical symptoms, and mental and emotional imbalances.
From a Western perspective, acupuncture works on the central and peripheral nervous systems and has a direct impact on systems of the body (respiratory, digestive, endocrine, etc). It releases multiple neurochemicals, reducing pain, improving circulation and activating the body’s own healing mechanisms.
-
Yes. Acupuncture is included in the NICE guidelines for headaches (CG150) and for primary chronic pain (CG193).
GPs are permitted to refer patients to members of the British Acupuncture Council and acupuncture treatment can be claimed by many health insurance providers.
Having treatment with an acupuncturist who is a member of the British Acupuncture Council ensures the highest standards of professional practice.
-
You should feel very calm and relaxed. Occasionally, you might feel a bit drowsy for a few hours after treatments so you are advised to avoid over exerting yourself and to stay hydrated. Most people feel wonderfully serene after their treatments.
-
Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments currently available in the UK. A number of scientific papers published on the safety of acupuncture concluded that acupuncture is safe so long as it is delivered by a properly trained professional. Having acupuncture with a practitioner registered with the British Acupuncture Council ensures a high level of safety.
The risk of an adverse reaction is very low (less than 1 in 10,000). If any minor side effects occur, such as dizziness or light bruising around the needled area, are mild, infrequent and self-limiting.
-
This really depends on the individual and what health conditions or symptoms they have. As we are all in different states of health, treatment is given in response to progress.
As a general rule, patients are advised to start with 5 treatments each one a week apart. This allows for the cumulative effect of acupuncture to build. After this, progress can be reviewed and treatment can be continued if it is needed. For chronic conditions, you are likely to need ongoing regular treatments. The best approach to treatment for you can be discussed.