Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest recorded forms of medicine, having been used for over 3,000 years in China.
The traditional Chinese view is that Qi (energy) flows freely when the body is in a healthy state. If there is a problem, energy stagnates. The stimulation of appropriate acupuncture points frees this stagnation and helps the body return to a natural healthy balance.
Acupuncture is a complete medical system in itself but it is also an excellent complement to almost any other treatment, including Western medicine, prescription drugs, surgery and other alternative therapies.
Traditionally, acupuncture is a holistic approach to the management of disease as well as the maintenance of health. The skill of an acupuncturist lies in their ability to make a diagnosis from what is often a complex pattern of disharmony and then formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Acupuncture is safe and virtually painless, using sterilised, single-use needles. Side-effects are extremely rare.
What conditions can be treated with Acupuncture?
The answer is almost anything. It is frequently used in the treatment of:
- Sprains, strains
- Joint pain, stiffness or swelling
- pain, chronic injuries
- Unexplained infertility
- nausea, dizziness
- fibromyalgia
- addiction
- breathing difficulties: hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, sinus problems
- infertility/ante-natal problems
- skin conditions
- headaches/migraines
- gynaecological *problems/menopausal symptoms/menstrual problems (PMS)
- neurological conditions like: multiple sclerosis; strokes; bell’s palsy
- stress, anxiety, panic attacks, emotional trauma, depression, insomnia
- irritable bowel syndrome/digestive problems
- ME, chronic fatigue
Will it help me?
Research has shown that most people gain pain relief from acupuncture and there is now scientific proof that acupuncture causes the release of endorphins (pain relieving chemicals) and serotonin (a relaxant) from the brain.
Clinical trials have provided evidence that it has a powerful and sustained effect on musculo-skeletal pain and as a result acupuncture is now an accepted treatment and is slowly being integrated with conventional medicine.
It is often worth trying acupuncture for conditions that have not responded well to orthodox medicine. The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.
Does it hurt?
Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these.
When inserted, the fine needles give rise to a sensation, which should only be a temporary discomfort at the most. At times a more intense sensation is experienced, which is often described as a dull ache, heaviness, mild tingling or an overall feeling of relaxation.
How many sessions will I require?
Patients treated with Acupuncture will generally require at least three treatments before the physiotherapist can be certain there is a reaction. Strong reactors will show changes immediately after the first treatment. The effect of acupuncture is cumulative and the majority of patients experience a gradual change in symptoms over their course of treatment which is normally 6-8 sessions. Chronic conditions often take longer to respond.
Why have acupuncture with an AACP qualified Chartered Physiotherapist
Many of Bevan Wilson’s Physiotherapists are fully qualified to treat patients with acupuncture and are members of the AACP. One of our Physiotherapists even holds a degree in acupuncture! AACP members are bound by professional rules and standards. They are approved by the National Blood Transfusion Service.
First class accurate diagnosis and treatment leading to cure of symptoms.
Customer satisfaction survey 2009
