What is acupuncture?Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China for thousands of years. Chinese medicine looks at pain and illness as signs that the body is out of balance. The aim of acupuncture treatment is to re-establish the free flow of vital energy, often referred to as "Qi", to restore the body's equilibrium and trigger the body's natural healing response. The qualified doctor will puncture into the body surface at strategic points using very fine sterilised disposable needles and leave the needles in place with different stimulations to achieve therapeutic effects. The use of needles is virtually painless.
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List of conditions which can be helped by Acupuncture:
SKIN PROBLEMSAcne, Eczema, Psoriasis etc.
WOMEN’S / MEN’S PROBLEMSCystitis, Infertility, Menstrual problems
PAIN RELIEFArthritis, Facial palsy, Joint pains and stiffness, Shingles, Soft tissue injury, RSI
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INTERNAL PROBLEMSHeadache & Migraine, IBS, Hypertension, Over/underactive Thyroid, Diabetes
NERVOUS SYSTEMDepression, Insomnia, Stress & anxiety, Epilepsy, Hair loss, Weight loss, Stop smoking, Stroke rehabilitation and recovery, ME (Chronic fatigue syndrome), Cancer care,Multiple sclerosis
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SKELETAL, MUSCULAR & JOINTSSports injuries, Aches & pains, Sciatica, Frozen shoulder, Muscular tension
DIGESTIONIndigestion, Irritable bowel syndrome, Stomach ulcers, Food intolerances and Allergies
PULMONARYAsthma, Bronchitis, Cough
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What to expect from a treatment?
1. Before having acupuncture treatment
Before your first acupuncture session there are several things you should bear in mind:
- many commonly used acupuncture points are located on the lower arms and legs, so it is helpful to wear clothing that allows easy access to these areas
- try not to go for treatment on an empty stomach or straight after a heavy meal
- do let your practitioner know if you are completely new to acupuncture so they can take extra time to explain what happens and ensure you are comfortable with the process.
2. Your first consultation
During your first visit your acupuncturist needs to gain a thorough understanding of your main complaint and your general health and lifestyle. This involves asking questions about your current symptoms and your medical history, as well as such things as your sleeping pattern, your appetite and digestion, and your emotional wellbeing. Women are also asked about their menstrual cycle and any past pregnancies and childbirth.
You might feel that some questions appear unrelated to your condition but the information you give helps your practitioner to form a more complete picture of your health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist will also take your pulse on both wrists and may examine your tongue and feel for areas of muscular tension or pain.
You might feel that some questions appear unrelated to your condition but the information you give helps your practitioner to form a more complete picture of your health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist will also take your pulse on both wrists and may examine your tongue and feel for areas of muscular tension or pain.
3. Your main health complaint
When talking about your main complaint, the practitioner might ask you to describe in your own words what the symptoms feel like and how severe they are. You may also be asked how long you have been having the symptoms, whether they are constant or intermittent and how frequent they are. You should mention any medication that you are taking and whether you have tried any other therapies.
In order to make a diagnosis according to traditional Chinese medicine theory and to find the right treatment approach, the practitioner will also want to know more specific details.
In order to make a diagnosis according to traditional Chinese medicine theory and to find the right treatment approach, the practitioner will also want to know more specific details.
4. Treatment plan and treatment
Based on all the information you have given, the practitioner will make a diagnosis and put together your treatment plan, which may include lifestyle and dietary advice as well as acupuncture. Your practitioner will use very fine single-use pre-sterilised needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. Because energy meridians range across the whole body, the points used are not necessarily close to where you experience pain or discomfort. For example, if you suffer from headaches needles might be inserted in your foot or hand.
5. Techniques
As well as needling acupuncture points, a traditional acupuncturist may use other Chinese medicine techniques such as:
- moxibustion: heat is applied to an acupuncture point or meridian using moxa (a therapeutic herb) and/or heat lamps to warm and relax muscles and qi
- tuina: Chinese therapeutic massage relieves muscle tension, stimulates acupressure points, opens energy meridians and stimulate the flow of qi
- cupping: glass cups with a vacuum seal are placed on the skin to stimulate blood flow and clear stagnant qi
- guasha: vigorous rubbing of the skin increases blood flow and clears stagnant qi.
6. Lifestyle advice
Your acupuncturist is likely to suggest ways in which you can enhance the long-term effects of your treatment. This may involve making changes to your diet and daily routine. If necessary you will be referred to other healthcare practitioners for specialist care.
7. After-effects
Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment. You may feel a little tired or sleepy and should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use heavy machinery straight after your treatment.
You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and, ideally, give yourself a little time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for several hours after treatment.
Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. Cupping can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Such bruising is painless and generally clears within a week or two.
You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and, ideally, give yourself a little time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for several hours after treatment.
Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. Cupping can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Such bruising is painless and generally clears within a week or two.