How does acupuncture work?
There is a wealth of theory, opinion and evidence that has built up over hundreds of years seeks to answer this question so summarising it in a few words is difficult.
The traditional theory is that each acupuncture point has a specific qualities or energetic properties. In illness or injury, the smooth flow of energy, Qi, is disrupted and needs to be corrected. Acupuncture allows the practitioner to manipulate Qi by needling the appropriate points and allowing the energy to flow freely once more. This could be considered along similar terms to water flow managed by a sluice or flood gate.
In western terms there is a vast array of published research on acupuncture.
What can acupuncture be used for?
There is no definitive list, acupuncture is used for a whole range of conditions.
In this country, acupuncture is most commonly known for treating injuries or pain and there is some good evidence for its success in this field. For example the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), who offer guidelines for healthcare professionals including the NHS, recommend acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain and certain types of headache.
There are however many other conditions people seek treatment for including gynaecological problems, fertility, emotional issues to name but a few. My page About Acupuncture has a link to a number of fact sheets on various conditions which are published by the British Acupuncture Council. If you have an specific enquiries please feel free to contact me. I am happy to talk things through with you before you commit to treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
The short answer to this is yes.
If you are receiving acupuncture from a properly trained and qualified acupuncturist the risk are negligible. A number of studies have been conducted showing that patients report very few side effects at all. Those who do indicate small issues such as tiredness, a small amount of bleeding at the site of the needle etc.
Acupuncturists and the premises from which they operate should be registered with their local authority. BAcC practitioners also subscribe to a voluntary code of professional conduct which includes extensive safety and hygiene measures to minimise any risk of harm to their patients.
All of these measures are what makes acupuncture one of the safest forms of therapy practised.
For more details please see this link to the NHS website: Acupuncture – Safety and regulation – NHS Choices.
Does it hurt ?
Generally no. The needles inserted are very fine and the Chinese believe you must feel the needle for it to work. Generally the sensation is like a dull ache or buzz. There may be a slight pinch as the needle is swiftly inserted and certainly I wont allow you to be in any pain.
Will I have to take my clothes off ?
Not normally, many of the influential acupuncture points are on the arms and lower legs so its always a good idea to wear a vest top and loose fitting tracksuit type trousers. If it is necessary for you to remove clothing you will be afforded privacy of course and towels/blankets are provided.
How many times should I come for treatment ?
Acupuncture can work amazingly quickly or it can be a cumulative effect, I will discuss with you a plan and realistic expectations although its impossible to predict how each individual will react. In a vast majority of cases the outcomes are positive with unexpected side benefits such as improved sleep,digestion,mood etc.
There is a wealth of theory, opinion and evidence that has built up over hundreds of years seeks to answer this question so summarising it in a few words is difficult.
The traditional theory is that each acupuncture point has a specific qualities or energetic properties. In illness or injury, the smooth flow of energy, Qi, is disrupted and needs to be corrected. Acupuncture allows the practitioner to manipulate Qi by needling the appropriate points and allowing the energy to flow freely once more. This could be considered along similar terms to water flow managed by a sluice or flood gate.
In western terms there is a vast array of published research on acupuncture.
What can acupuncture be used for?
There is no definitive list, acupuncture is used for a whole range of conditions.
In this country, acupuncture is most commonly known for treating injuries or pain and there is some good evidence for its success in this field. For example the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), who offer guidelines for healthcare professionals including the NHS, recommend acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain and certain types of headache.
There are however many other conditions people seek treatment for including gynaecological problems, fertility, emotional issues to name but a few. My page About Acupuncture has a link to a number of fact sheets on various conditions which are published by the British Acupuncture Council. If you have an specific enquiries please feel free to contact me. I am happy to talk things through with you before you commit to treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
The short answer to this is yes.
If you are receiving acupuncture from a properly trained and qualified acupuncturist the risk are negligible. A number of studies have been conducted showing that patients report very few side effects at all. Those who do indicate small issues such as tiredness, a small amount of bleeding at the site of the needle etc.
Acupuncturists and the premises from which they operate should be registered with their local authority. BAcC practitioners also subscribe to a voluntary code of professional conduct which includes extensive safety and hygiene measures to minimise any risk of harm to their patients.
All of these measures are what makes acupuncture one of the safest forms of therapy practised.
For more details please see this link to the NHS website: Acupuncture – Safety and regulation – NHS Choices.
Does it hurt ?
Generally no. The needles inserted are very fine and the Chinese believe you must feel the needle for it to work. Generally the sensation is like a dull ache or buzz. There may be a slight pinch as the needle is swiftly inserted and certainly I wont allow you to be in any pain.
Will I have to take my clothes off ?
Not normally, many of the influential acupuncture points are on the arms and lower legs so its always a good idea to wear a vest top and loose fitting tracksuit type trousers. If it is necessary for you to remove clothing you will be afforded privacy of course and towels/blankets are provided.
How many times should I come for treatment ?
Acupuncture can work amazingly quickly or it can be a cumulative effect, I will discuss with you a plan and realistic expectations although its impossible to predict how each individual will react. In a vast majority of cases the outcomes are positive with unexpected side benefits such as improved sleep,digestion,mood etc.