Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a medical technique used to treat a wide variety of conditions. During the past few years, acupuncture has become increasingly popular and the range of medical applications of acupuncture is increasing.
Significant claims have been made for acupuncture in the past. There is still debate about whether all of them can be substantiated. Such claims are worrying and can alienate many people who might otherwise be sympathetic to the view that acupuncture can, in appropriate cases, be an effective method of treatment.
What is acupuncture?
Extremely fine needles are used in acupuncture to stimulate the nerves in skin and muscle, and can produce a variety of effects. We know that it increases the body's release of natural painkillers - endorphin and serotonin - in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received. But acupuncture does much more than reduce pain, and has a beneficial effect on health. Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing after treatment.
Modern research shows that acupuncture can affect most of the body's systems and the technique is used to promote relaxation and wellbeing, reduction in sensitivity to pain and muscular discomfort. The technique is also available as part of our smoking cessation programmes – please ask for details.
The practitioner assesses each patient’s case and treatment will be tailored to the individual. Typically, fine needles are inserted through the skin and left in position briefly, sometimes with manual or electrical stimulation. The number of needles varies but may be only one to three.
Uses for acupuncture
Here are some of the ways in which acupuncture can be effective:
Pain relief for a wide range of painful conditions including musculoskeletal pain (e.g. temporo-mandibular joint - or TMJ - dysfunction)
Headaches & migraines,
Trapped nerves
Sinus problems and chronic catarrh
Relaxation and stress relief
Stopping smoking
Acupuncture - past, present and future
Acupuncture-like techniques have been used for over 5,000 years. A comprehensive system was developed in the Far East and this was first introduced into Europe in the 17th Century. However, widespread interest in the technique did not develop until the political events of the early 1970's allowed travel restrictions between East and West to be eased.
In recent years considerable scientific research on acupuncture has been carried out: we now know much more about how acupuncture works and some of the myths can be laid to rest. It is demonstrably untrue to say that the results of acupuncture are all in the mind.
As we learn more about it, the possibilities of using acupuncture alongside orthodox medicine increase. The distinction between complementary or alternative medicine and conventional medicine is becoming blurred as acupuncture is accepted in medicine. Acupuncture is already available in most hospital pain clinics and it is provided by an ever-increasing number of GPs and hospital doctors.
Mrs King is a trained member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society which is an organisation of regulated health professionals who practise acupuncture alongside more conventional techniques.
Please ask at the practice about acupuncture treatments.