What is Acupuncture?

Many people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains such as osteoarthritis of the knee, TMJ pain, headaches and low back pain, or for common health problems like an overactive bladder. Other people choose acupuncture when they can feel their bodily functions are out of balance but have no obvious western medical diagnosis leading to western medical treatment. Many also have regular treatments simply because they find it beneficial and relaxing.

The focus for a traditional acupuncturist is on the patient as an individual and not just their specific illness, and all symptoms are seen as part of an interconnected pattern. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points which are said to affect the flow of your body’s qi, or vital energy, although there is ongoing research and study that suggests what many practitioners already know: that inserting needles into the channels (or meridians) affects change within the human body, and the term ‘energy’ is rather simplistic. Acupuncturists may also use other techniques such as moxibustion, cupping and guasha.

What types of acupuncture do you offer?

I offer a number of types of acupuncture and related treatments.

• Gua Sha: The technique of scraping the skin with a gua sha tool. The tool has a rounded edge so that it does not damage the skin. A commonly used tool is a porcelain Chinese soup soon, which is scraped over the skin to treat and prevent illness. Gua Sha works to release the local area of stagnation and improve the flow of blood and Qi.
• Cupping therapy: This treatment uses plastic, silicone or glass cups of varying sizes. These are placed on the skin and suction is applied to lift the skin and attach the cup. Cups can be left in one place or moved around the body. Like Gua Sha, cupping works to release the local area of stagnation and improve the flow of blood and Qi.
• Moxibustion: This is the burning of an herb called moxa (Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris) to warm specific parts of the body, including acupuncture points.
• Facial Enhancement Acupuncture: I am a Facial Enhancement Acupuncture Practitioner. Facial Enhancement Acupuncture is also known as cosmetic acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture.

What to expect when you come for treatment?

Your initial visit will take up to two hours and consists of a personal and medical consultation covering your family history, lifestyle, systems functions (eg. sleep, appetite) and full details of your current complaint/s and any tests or investigations that you have had. You will also have the opportunity to discuss in complete confidence any concerns or troubles you may currently be dealing with.

After your consultation I will carry out a number of short non-invasive physical diagnostic tests including blood pressure, temperature distribution and pulse taking. In most cases, aside from the most complex, this is then followed by your first treatment. Subsequent appointments take up to one hour and include discussion of your progress and your treatment to date.

What does it feel like?

Many patients are concerned that acupuncture may be painful but as the needles are flexible and about as thick as two human hairs there is usually only a very slight sensation as it enters the skin. Sometimes patients also feel a dull ache on the acupuncture point but this also only lasts for a few seconds and is generally not considered to be uncomfortable. Acupuncture needles can be inserted for just a second or two or they can be left while you rest before they are removed. Many find acupuncture relaxing and feel very calm during and after a treatment; you may also feel a little tired or sleepy so if possible, try to arrange a relatively restful and quiet day, especially for your first treatment.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments currently on offer in the UK, in fact in 2001 a number of studies concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. Any minor side effects that do occur, such as dizziness or bruising around needle points are infrequent, mild and self-correcting. To see more information regarding the safety of acupuncture please visit the British Acupuncture Council’s website.

How many treatments will I need?

Because acupuncture has a cumulative effect people usually have a course of treatment. At the beginning, weekly sessions are recommended for six to eight treatments, depending upon the nature of your complaint. I review your progress with you regularly and as your body responds, the frequency of treatment is reduced.

Who has acupuncture, and what conditions is it used to treat?

A wide variety of people use acupuncture from the very young to the very old. Some women use acupuncture for support throughout their pregnancy. Elite athletes use acupuncture. It is also used alongside western medicine in palliative care. Many people first seek acupuncture for help with painful conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee, headaches or low back pain. Other people choose acupuncture when their body systems are out of balance even though they have no obvious diagnosis. Some choose to have regular treatment because they find it beneficial and relaxing.

Is there evidence that acupuncture works?

Evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness is growing. A large systematic review concluded that acupuncture was effective for chronic pain: osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, headaches, and shoulder pain (1). This review also showed that acupuncture was not a placebo and the effects persisted over time. Acupuncture has been included in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for Headaches (CG150) and for Chronic Primary Pain (CG193). The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN):Management of Chronic Pain (136) guidelines include acupuncture for lower back pain and osteoarthritis.

(1) Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain.
2018 May;19(5):455-474.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005