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Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of a number of very small fine needles into the muscles of the body usually around where the problem is felt. The needles may be left in place for around 20 minutes.

Western scientific acupuncture refers to the neural mechanism of acupuncture analgesia. This explanation proposes that the insertion of the acupuncture needles into specific points in the muscles stimulates sensory nerve fibres which produce an aching sensation known as ‘de qi’. This sensation then sends impulses via nerves to the spinal cord and then the brain which causes the release of the body’s own system of pain-killing chemicals and anti-inflammatory agents, as well as stimulating the release of ‘feel good’ chemicals, such as endorphines.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and smooth, so when they are inserted you feel only a slight sensation or nothing at all. Once the needles are in place, you may feel a sensation of heaviness, warmth or tingling at and around the site of the needle.

Research has shown that most people gain relief from pain with acupuncture. It does not work for everyone and all conditions. However, increasingly, good results have been achieved where more conventional medicine has failed. There is nothing spiritual about it, and you don't need to believe in acupuncture for it to work for you. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, with pain relief building up as treatment progresses. Some people are particularly good responders while others may see little benefit until they have had a few treatments. With long-term conditions, this is more likely to be the case. Occasionally, the condition may become slightly worse at first. This is not a bad sign as it usually means the condition will respond positively with continued treatment.

There are several reasons why you should see a Chartered physiotherapist if you think you want acupuncture. Firstly, a Chartered physiotherapist works closely with doctors and consultants. They have undergone a three-year degree based in western clinical practice before training for acupuncture at a postgraduate level. Chartered physiotherapists are bound by a strict professional and ethical code governed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health Professional Council (HPC). Additionally, the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) has its own code of practice. Therefore, you can be assured that your treatment will be safe.

AACP members are in a unique position of being able to combine acupuncture with other natural treatment methods, such as exercise, manipulation and mobilisation techniques. All AACP members have taken approved training in acupuncture to provide pain relief.

You can read more about acupuncture and the AACP by clicking here.

The physiotherapists at Wellbeing Therapies are accredited members of the AACP and have practiced in acupuncture for over five years. If you would like to know further information about acupuncture or how it could help you, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.