TRADITIONAL CHINESE
ACUPUNCTURE
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin in order to stimulate the body’s own ability to restore, promote and maintain good health. Acupuncture has a wealth of research based evidence to support its use within many conditions. The Chinese and other Eastern cultures have been using Acupuncture over thousands of years.
Acupuncture influences the physiology within the body as it attempts to re-balance systems that may have been subjected to pain or illness and enables a return to health and well-being by addressing both the symptoms and the underlying cause of illness.
A traditional Chinese medicine
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, channels are thought to lie within the connective tissue in the body and these are called meridians. The energy force within these meridians is known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). Our health depends on the body’s Qi moving in a smooth and balanced way along the meridians. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors including emotional states such as anxiety, anger and grief, poor nutrition, hereditary factors, infection and trauma. When the Qi is imbalanced, illness may result. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the meridians and this is said to regulate the flow of the body’s Qi.
How can Acupuncture help?
Many people have acupuncture to relieve particular aches and pains such as osteoarthritis of the knee, headaches or lower back pain. Other people choose acupuncture when their body systems are out of balance, even though there is no obvious diagnosis. Acupuncture is considered beneficial for a wide range of conditions. Whatever the health problem, as treatment is designed to effect the whole body, not just the symptoms, other niggling health issues may also improve with a course of treatment. Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both chronic and acute illness.
Who has Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is suitable for all ages, including babies and children. Pregnant women commonly use acupuncture for support throughout their pregnancy.
What happens during treatment?
Patients are asked a wide range of questions about current symptoms, what treatments have been received, medical history, way of life, eating, sleeping and emotional state. In addition to these questions a physical examination is also carried out. This may include abdominal palpation, blood pressure measurement and structural assessment. The Acupuncturist is also likely to feel pulses on both wrists and ask to look at the tongue.
Helpful Advice for Treatment Sessions
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It is important to bring along details of any medication being taken [including the dosage]
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Please avoid wearing any perfume, aftershave, scented cosmetics or body sprays
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Please also avoid having an empty stomach and being dehydrated
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Try to make arrangements so that it’s possible to relax fully after treatment – this gives maximum benefit from the treatment
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Occasionally, Acupuncture may cause tiredness or drowsiness for a few hours after treatment, so it’s necessary to take care if driving home.
What does it feel like?
This is probably the most commonly asked question by people considering Acupuncture – and the hardest to answer! The most common description of being needled is a dull ache or a ‘tingling’ sensation, or somewhere in-between. Many people feel deeply relaxed after treatment.