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 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 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 over 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?
Some people turn to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or condition. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain good health, as a preventive measure, or to improve their general sense of wellbeing. Because traditional acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation, it can be effective for a range of conditions. This approach also means that each patient’s treatment plan will be different. However, you can always ask your practitioner about other patients’ experiences, to give you an idea of what to expect.
In 2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended that acupuncture should be made available on the NHS, as a cost effective short-term treatment for the management of early, persistent non-specific lower back pain.
You can get more information on current scientific research into the effectiveness of acupuncture by visiting www.acupuncture.org.uk or by speaking to one of our acupuncturists.
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 we recommend that you tell your doctor that you are planning to have acupuncture. Do not stop taking your medication. You should always tell us about any medicines or supplements you are taking as this may affect your response to acupuncture treatment.
Is it safe?
The results of two independent surveys published in the British Medical Journal in 2001 (MacPherson et al, White et al) concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. 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.
For more information
To find out what acupuncture can do for you please call us at LBHealthcare and we will put you in touch with our acupuncturists if you would like to speak to them before booking a treatment.
