Acupuncture
Traditional acupuncture as practised by the acupuncturists at LBhealthcare, members of the British Acupuncture Council, is based on Chinese medicine principles that have been developed, researched and refined for over 2,500 years. Traditional acupuncture is holistic, not focussed on isolated symptoms. It regards pain and illness, whether physical or mental, to be a sign that the whole body is out of balance.
Acupuncture works
Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary medicine. The Chinese and other eastern cultures have been using acupuncture to restore, promote and maintain good health for thousands of years.
Acupuncture is now widely used and accepted all over the world and in the UK there are currently nearly 3,000 qualified acupuncturists registered with the British Acupuncture Council, our professional body.
Who has acupuncture?
Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions and some because they simply feel generally unwell. Others choose acupuncture to enhance their feeling of wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children. It can be used alongside conventional medicine.
What can acupuncture do for me?
The World Health Organisation recognises acupuncture as being effective in treating many conditions including:
Chronic and acute pain – injuries, headaches, migraines, neck and back pain, tendonitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia
Neurological disorders – post stroke recovery, Bell ’s palsy and trigeminal neuralgia, movement disorders
Upper respiratory disorders – asthma, allergies including hayfever, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, laryngitis, colds and flu
Digestive disorders – irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, gastritis, heartburn, ulcers
Women’s’ health – period pain, irregular or heavy periods, infertility, menopausal symptoms, cystitis
Immune system – recurrent infections, supportive treatment for cancer and AIDS patients
Addictions – to nicotine, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Eye and ear disorders – tinnitus, Meniere’s disease
Mental and emotional disturbance – depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia
Acupuncture is often used in the treatment of conditions and in conjunction with Western medicine such as support for fertility treatment.
What happens when I go for treatment?
You will be asked about your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical history, your lifestyle, your emotional well being and your general health. We will feel your pulses on both wrists and ask to look at your tongue. The acupuncture points used for treatment are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the problem. For example, although you might suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand. Treatment is aimed at the root of your condition, as well as your symptoms. This approach can lead to a more permanent resolution of your problems.
How many sessions will I need?
Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition. Some change is usually felt after four or five treatments although occasionally only one or two treatments are required. Some patients may need treatment over several months or long term. We will normally ask to see you once or twice a week at first.
Should my doctor know?
If you have been prescribed medication it makes sense to tell your doctor that you are planning to have acupuncture. You should always tell us about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to acupuncture treatment.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture has a very sound track record. The needles used are single use, sterile and disposable. Responses to treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness and on occasion minor bruising may occur. However, all such reactions are short lived.
What does it feel like?
Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests. When the needle is inserted the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.