Acupuncture
What is it?
It is a technique of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into "acupuncture points" on the body with the aim of restoring health and well-being, e.g. treating pain and diseases.
Acupuncture is thought to have originated in China and is most commonly associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncturists tend to perceive TCM concepts in functional rather than structural terms, i.e. as being useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients.
How does it work?
Researchers using the protocols of evidence-based medicine have found good evidence that acupuncture is effective in treating nausea and chronic low back pain, as well as neck pain and headache. The WHO, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Medical Association (AMA) and various government reports have also studied and commented on the efficacy of acupuncture.
Western science suggests that there are three main mechanisms for acupuncture’s effects:
1. Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types of opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.
2. Changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary body functions: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Acupuncture also has been documented to affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes whereby a person’s blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature are regulated.
3. Changes in blood flow: Acupuncture and Oriental medicine alters the circulation of blood to the affected area, resulting in removal of pain causing chemicals, and restoring normal function to the area being treated.
There is general agreement that acupuncture is at least safe when administered by well-trained practitioners.
My Approach
I will make sure that I have a full and thorough understanding of your condition before we start to treat you. I will treat you as appropriate, which usually involves acupuncture followed by Acupressure Massage or Tuina Massage Therapy.
Who can Acupuncture help?
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat most musculoskeletal problems and a great deal of other problems as well. Here are some of the conditions I treat on a regular basis and many more are shown on my web site:
| Migraine | Angina | Rotator Cuff Tear |
| Plantar Fasciitis | Knee Pain | Occipital Neuralgia |
| Myofacial Pain Syndrome | Fibromyalgia | Facet Joint Pain |
| Frozen Shoulder | Bursitis | Dysmenorrhoea (Period Pain) |
| Restless leg syndrome | Tennis elbow | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
For further information: www.backachetherapy.co.uk
Treatment Times and Costs
Each treatment session lasts between 30 – 45 minutes.
Appointment fees are £40 for a New Patient appointment, which will take a bit longer than a normal appointment which costs £30 and lasts about 30 minutes.
I am in C1 Chiropractic Clinic all day Tuesday for the time being and additional days in the future.
If you have any questions you would like to ask in the strictest of confidence please feel free to telephone for more information; I am always happy to provide this.
