Medical acupuncture
Based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, Medical Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles as a therapeutic modality to support a range of conditions. It is an adaptation of Chinese acupuncture, which believes in balancing Qi energy, whereas medical acupuncture is based on scientific research and uses current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to guide a patient's treatment. Medical Acupuncture is often carried out by a registered health care professional who has already undergone degree-level training with an underpinning of anatomy and physiology.
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Medical acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and complaints. There is a large amount of research in Western Medical Acupuncture that helps us to understand how acupuncture works- including the release of natural pain-killing and healing chemicals in the body- helping our bodies to heal theirselves.
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During a treatment session
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During your treatment sterile, fine needles will be placed at various points on the body and left in place for varying amounts of time, dependent on the treatment required, but this can be up to 25-30 minutes. Sometimes additional stimulation, including electrical, is required. This will be explained to you prior to application.
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For more information on Medical Acupuncture please click here.
For more information on acupuncture click on the following links:
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FAQ's
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How long do the treatment sessions take?The first appointment usually takes a little longer, allowing for history taking, assessment and acupuncture. You should allow approximately 60-75 minutes for the initial appointment. Subsequent appointments take approximately 45minutes. In most cases, needles are left in for 20-30minutes during these sessions.
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Are there any side effects?Generally speaking, acupuncture is seen as a safer alternative to many other types of therapy and medications. There are some patients who may experience some side effects, which could be related to their medication or health too. Acupuncture in some circumstances may cause; – Drowsiness after treatment in a small number of patients. You are advised not to drive if affected. – Minor bleeding or bruising may occur in 3% of treatments. – Pain during treatment occurs in 1% of treatments. – Your condition/symptoms may get worse after acupuncture treatment (less than 3% of patients). You should tell your acupuncturist, but this is usually a good sign – Fainting can occur in certain patients
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Does acupuncture hurt?The needles inserted are so fine that most people feel little to no sensation. Some patients feel the sensation of a tingle, warmth or a dull ache after the needles are inserted which may last a few moments. Generally acupuncture is not considered an uncomfortable treatment and most people find they are very relaxed during and after treatment.
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Can anyone have acupuncture?Generally, there are very few reasons why a person can't receive acupuncture, however an assessment will be carried out before the placement of any needles to ensure acupuncture is appropriate for you. In some cases, there may be certain types of acupuncture that is not suitable for a patient and this can be adjusted for your treatment plan. If acupuncture is not advised for you at this time, you will be recommended where you can find additional support to help manage your condition.
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How many sessions will I need?This depends on the reason for acupuncture, and sometimes on patient preference. Most treatments are weekly to begin with, with an initial course of 5-8 sessions, however some patients may require only 1-2 sessions, and others may choose to continue with a regular 'maintenance' treatment spaced further apart. If you are looking for acupuncture as a general wellness treatment treatment frequency of sessions is based around how you feel.
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Is acupuncture safe?Acupuncture is generally very safe and is one of the safest medical treatments available in the UK. The NHS recommends finding an acupuncturist that is either a regulated healthcare professional (e.g a doctor, nurse or physiotherapist) or a member of a national acupuncture organisation (e.g The British Acupuncture Council). Serious side effects are very rare and occur in less than 1 in 10,000 patients.
