Acupuncture – A modern complementary technique based on traditional concepts and scientific evidence.

About

Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA) is a therapeutic modality involving the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body to help relieve pain and muscular tension by promoting healing through stimulation of the central nervous system. It is an adaptation and interpretation of Chinese acupuncture using current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology and the principles of evidence based medicine.

We Know

Being quite unlike other medical treatment, acupuncture is often dismissed as an effective treatment form, with suggestions being made that the effect is a “placebo” effect. However with increasing scientific evidence, research in neurophysiology and the genuine improvement in patients showing acupuncture is a real and valid scientist based treatment therapy.

How it works

Needling stimulates the nerves in skin, muscles and tissues to release chemical substances which in turn produce a variety of neurological effects. We know that it increases the release of the body’s natural painkillers including endorphins and serotonin in the pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received by the brain and depresses pain in the segment where the needle is inserted and throughout the body.

Acupuncture also helps reduce nausea, promote healing, aids sleep and creates a sense of improved well being after treatment.

The Process

Needles used are extremely fine and hardly felt. Some patients may find it a little sensitive initially but with successive treatment acupuncture is usually well tolerated.

The number of needles varies, but may only be 2-3. Initially treatment may be once weekly, with interval increasing between treatment as the condition responds. A typical course of treatment lasts 5 to 8 sessions, less if the condition responds quickly.

Single use sterile needles are used. These are of the highest quality and obtained from the UK.