what is acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient, subtle and gentle medicine, suitable for most people-including those receiving conventional medical treatment. Acupuncture aims not only to help the symptom, but to resolve the underlying cause.
HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP YOU?
001
Wellbeing
Acupuncture is a holistic medicine-it treats the whole person-making it an ideal support for your general wellbeing. In a fast-paced hectic world, acupuncture can help maintain good health and wellbeing, putting you in a better position to tackle health issues, should they arise.
002
Mental Health
The charity Mind (mind.org.uk), states that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year and that 1 in 6 will experience a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression every week. Acupuncture has a good evidence base for the treatment of mental health problems. evidencebasedacupuncture.org
003
Pain Management
Pain, whether acute-usually due to a specific, treatable cause, for example an injury-, or
chronic-long term pain which can sometimes have no obvious cause-can have a hugely
detrimental effect on our lives. Acupuncture has an extensive evidence base for treating
many types of pain and is recommended in NICE guidelines for the treatment of chronic
pain.nice.org.uk
004
allergies & intolerances
More than 25% of the UK population suffer with one or more allergy (allergyuk.org), such as allergic rhinitis, (hayfever), eczema, food allergies, with symptoms often affecting a number of organ systems. Acupuncture’s holistic approach is well placed to help with many issues
caused by allergies.
Food intolerances, for example to gluten or dairy products, although not life threatening, can
cause significant discomfort and sometimes even pain. Acupuncture can work to strengthen our digestive system often leading to a reduction in symptoms.
005
sleep
The odd night of poor sleep is rarely an issue, but long-term sleep problems can lead to real
health issues. The latest research not only shows that a lack of sleep can make us tired and
grumpy, but can affect our physical health, contributing to obesity, high blood pressure, and
a reduced immune system function. There is also a close relationship between sleep and
mental health (mind.org.uk). Many people every year seek acupuncture treatment to help
with sleep problems.
006
Gastrointestinal Problems
Many people seek acupuncture treatment to help with both the symptoms and underlying causes of common GI disorders, such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and GERD.
007
Womens Health
Acupuncture and gynaecology have a 3000year history. Acupuncture aims to regulate and
restore balance. Women seek acupuncture to treat menstrual irregularities, PMS,
endometriosis, PCOS, pelvic inflammatory disease and pre- and post-menopausal signs and
symptoms.
008
Fertility
When you are ready to start a family, acupuncture can assist with natural fertility preparation
and pre-conception care, support while undergoing assisted conception- IUI, IVF and ICSI
and then with pregnancy and post-natal support.
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WHAT TO EXPECT?
It is a good idea to wear loose fitting comfortable clothing for your appointment and try to make sure you’ve had a small meal or snack and a drink, a little while before your treatment.
Your first appointment will usually last 1hr, where a detailed medical history will be taken- subsequent treatments will last up to 45mins. Some questions may seem unrelated to your condition, but they help to provide a clear picture of your health and lifestyle-remember, acupuncture doesn’t just aim to treat the symptom, but also the underlying cause.
Acupuncturists also use pulses taken on both wrists, along with observations of the tongue, to make a full assessment.
You will be made comfortable on the treatment couch and needles are usually left in for between 20 and 30mins-giving you time to relax-or even have a nap!
Depending on what you’re seeking treatment for, you may be given some dietary and/or lifestyle advice. The number of treatments varies depending on the condition, but this will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
Acupuncture is one of the longest established forms of healthcare in the world. It takes three and a half years to to become an acupuncturist. During this time, as well as
learning the theory and practice of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, acupuncturists also learn some conventional medicine too. You can trust that any acupuncturist who belongs to a professional body called the British Acupuncture Council (www.acupuncture.org.uk) has received appropriate training.
Acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined for thousands of years. The focus is on you as an individual, not your illness, and all symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to affect the flow of your body’s qi, or vital energy
No, it isn’t painful. Acupuncture needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as the acupuncturist adjusts the needle to direct Qi. While the needles are in place most people feel deeply relaxed which can continue after they are removed.