What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, and has been used as a therapeutic technique for over 2500 years! Over the years, it has been developed, tested and refined with research to give us a greater understanding of the uses of acupuncture.
Simply put, acupuncture involves very fine needles being inserted into certain sites of the body to provide therapeutic effects. Acupuncture has been known to treat a huge range of health conditions. In our clinic, the main reason our clients have accupuncture is to treat musculo-skeletal complaints (chronic pain, joint pain, post-operative pain) – but there are also a wide range of other conditions which can be treated. The World Health Organization maintains an extensive list of diseases and conditions which could be treatable with acupuncture.
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin, and in the muscles of the body. This effect causes a “off and on” restart effect; which results in the body producing natural hormones, such as pain relieving endorphins.
Acupuncture is also used to treat trigger points (muscle knots). The key to how this works is blood flow. Blood carries nutrition into cells, and carries waste out of them. Muscle cells work hard and produce a lot of waste product, but when a knot is formed it restricts the blood flow which causes a build up of waste product and a lack of nutrition (this is why they hurt so much!). When the needle is inserted into the trigger point, it causes blood to flood to the area, helping release the knot and reduce the pain.
Can Acupuncture help me - and what should I expect?
Of course! With acupuncture we treat anything from migraines and nausea, to pain after a full knee replacement – and everything in between! Clients often pair acupuncture with sports massage as these two treatments compliment each other wonderfully.
Acupuncture isn’t painful, but you may feel a tingling or dull ache sensation. Once the needles are in position, they will be left from anywhere between a few minutes and around 15 minutes. Your therapist may add a stimulated sensation by moving and rotating the needles when they are in position.
If you have a query regarding whether acupuncture is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can discuss it further.
See here for pricing. Call 07791133473 or contact for more information and bookings.
