Acupuncture
Acupuncture explained
• Acupuncture has been actively used for well over 2000 years.
• Acupuncture is globally recognised for its many health benefits.
• Acupuncture treats the body as a whole and connects the mental and physical aspects of the body together.
In ancient China it was believed that a person in good health had an abundance of vital energy – known as ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) flowing well throughout their body within different ‘channels’.
Our world today is much more hectic, polluted and stressful – but our bodies still work on these same ancient principles, hence, our ‘Qi’ can easily become depleted or even stuck which ultimately causes a blockage or blockages within the body. Blockages can often leave the body in a state of ‘dis-ease’.
Acupuncture helps the body and our ‘Qi’ return to its natural balanced free-flowing state, often leaving the patient with much improved general feelings of well-being whilst feeling less stressed, alongside a reported reduction of their original symptoms.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points along the body which have been identified in affecting the flow of the body’s ‘Qi’. Acupuncture is also very effective in releasing tension in different areas of the body and in stimulating the release of the body’s natural pain receptor,‘feel good’ hormones and chemicals
Do Acupuncture needles hurt?
For many people who have never had acupuncture, the thought of many needles being inserted into their body may be daunting. However, in reality an acupuncture needle is tiny and very often an acupuncture treatment its self is completely painless.
Ancient Acupuncture Needles
In ancient China between 4,000 and 10,000 years ago the first acupuncture needles were made of stone or animal bones! Further progression saw them being made out of metals such as iron, steel, gold and silver. Each metal was observed to have different effects on the conduction of 'Qi' and were used for treating a variety of different ailments and conditions.
For example, gold needles were used if a weakness was detected in the body in order to promote 'tonification', where as silver was thought to be the best choice when treating fevers, pain and inflammation for its strongly dispersing qualities.
Gold and silver acupuncture needles are still used today but are so expensive that many acupuncturists choose to use disposable needles made of stainless steel.
Modern Acupuncture Needles
Modern day acupuncture needles usually have 5 different parts to them starting at the tail, handle, root, body then tip. They have different gauges (thicknesses) and lengths. Acupuncture needles are tiny in comparison to other items such as a sewing needles, a medical syringe or a matchstick. The picture in this section offers a comparison to demonstrate the size of an acupuncture needle when measured against the items listed above.
Acupuncture Treatment
What can I expect during an Acupuncture Treatment?
After checking into reception you'll be offered a drink and a biscuit!
If you're booking in for a general health condition, (such as IBS or chronic headaches) - your FIRST treatment will last around 90 minutes whist your Acupuncturist asks lots of health related questions, completes your consultation form, takes your pulse and looks at your tongue.
After compiling a prescription, your Acupuncturist will insert acupuncture needles in various points around your body. Moxa, cupping , Guasha or a deep heat lamp may also be integrated into your treatment if deemed beneficial.
You're then left to relax for approximately 20 minutes before the needles are removed.
If any further treatments are required, your Acupuncturist will discuss this with you.
Subsequent treatments will be shorter in duration, typically lasting around 45 - 60 minutes.
Additional Patient Information
- Acupuncture is generally very safe with serious side effects being reported very rarely - less than 1 per 10,000 treatments.
Does Acupuncture have side effects?
Patients most often report feeling relaxed after treatment and experience much improved sleep. However, you need to be aware of the following;
- Drowsiness can occur after treatment in a very small number of patients, and if you are affected by drowsiness you are advised not to drive.
- Minor bruising or bleeding occurs post treatment in approximately 3% of treatments.
- Existing symptoms can get worse after treatment, (less than 3% of patients). You should tell your Acupuncturist about this - but it is usually a good sign.
- Pain during treatments occurs in about 1% of treatments.
- Fainting can occur in certain patients, particularly at the first treatment.
In addition, if there are particular risks that apply in your case, your practitioner will discuss them with you.
Is there anything your practitioner needs to know? Such as;
- If you have ever experienced a fit, fainting episode or a 'funny turn'
- If you have a PACEMAKER or any other electrical implants
- If you have a bleeding disorder
- If you are taking anti-coagulants or any other medication
- If you have damaged heart valves or have any particular risk of infection
If you experience any unusual symptoms after treatment, or are concerned about any aspect of the treatment that you have received, please contact you practitioner, Angela Kehoe on 07971 543475
Acupuncture Price List:
Initial Acupuncture appointment £55
includes 30-45min consultation call via phone PLUS 45-60min treatment in clinic.
Follow Up appointment(s) £45
Allow approximately 45 -60 minutes
Cupping / 'Guasha' / Heat Lamp / Moxa
Any of the above may be integrated into your treatment if deemed beneficial by your Acupuncturist.
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A - Z of Ailments
Is Traditional Acupuncture Right For Me?
Click on any of the links below to be redirected to the British Acupuncture Council’s webpage for each ailment where a short explanation of each illness in western medical terms is offered - whilst explaining how acupuncture can offer additional benefits.
Still want to know more?
Numerous Research Trials have been conducted to test the effectiveness of acupuncture for each of the conditions listed. The BAcC website, www.acupuncture.org.uk also offers a substantial library of Clinical Research Trial papers – adding further evidence to the list of reasons why acupuncture is now becoming one of the most sought out holistic treatments in the west - whilst in the east it has been commonly practised for over 2000 years.
Diabetes Type II & Gestational
Post traumatic stress disorder
For more information on Acupuncture: Research digest
Even if you do not see any ailments on the list above that resonates with your current health condition acupuncture could still be right for you given that the benefits of acupuncture are so wide ranging. To list them all would be impossible!
Additionally, patients may not have a specific problem – rather more a general feeling of ‘just not feeling right’. They may feel fed up, irritable, permanently tired and just want to boost their energy levels. Acupuncture can help with all of the above.
If you would like more information, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.
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