What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture
is one of the oldest recorded forms of medicine having been used for
over 3000 years in China. Modern science has shown that acupuncture
stimulates the brain to produce natural pain relieving chemicals,
endorphins. These assist the body to heal itself and give pain
relief. The traditional view is that Qi (energy) flows around the
body channels. If the Qi is flowing freely, the body is in a healthy
state. If there is a problem, energy stagnates. The stimulation of
appropriate acupuncture points frees this stagnation.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is safe when practised by someone with appropriate training. The
needles used are sterilised and single use, so there is no risk of
cross infection.
Will it work for me?
Research
has shown that most people gain some relief from pain with
acupuncture. It does not work for everybody and every condition but,
frequently, good results are achieved when 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, this is more likely with a longstanding problem.
Occasionally, the condition may become slightly worse at first. This
is not bad sign as it usually means the condition will respond.
Why a Physiotherapist?
There are several reasons why you should see a Chartered Physiotherapist if
you think you want acupuncture;
Chartered
Physiotherapists work in close association with your GP and
Consultant. They have a degree in western medicine, before training
for acupuncture at a post graduate level.
Physiotherapists
are in an unique position of being able to combine acupuncture with
other natural treatment methods, such as exercise, manipulation and
relaxation techniques.
Physiotherapists
practising acupuncture are trained to specific standards which are
set by the AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered
Physiotherapists) and have undertaken approved training plus annual
update training for acupuncture to provide pain relief.
Conditions which may
be helped by Acupuncture:
What should I
expect?
When
you visit a Chartered Physiotherapist, you will be given a detailed
examination. Based on the findings, your Physiotherapist will agree
a treatment programme with you.
We advise that you eat something before attending treatment as acupuncture
can lower your blood sugar levels slightly. This can occasionally
make patients feel a little light headed or tired after treatment.
For
this reason we advise patients to come with someone for the first
time, this is essential if you are to drive home.
Acupuncture
should be a relaxing treatment, please allow plenty of time to get to
your appointment to avoid rushing.
Will it hurt?
This
is the most common question when needles are used. When the fine
needles are inserted the sensation is usually like a pin prick, which
should only give mild temporary discomfort. A deep aching sensation
can often be produced on stimulation of the needles.
Summing up
Acupuncture
is safe and virtually painless
Acupuncture
works naturally with little or no side effects
Acupuncture
stimulates the body to help itself
Chartered
Physiotherapists work closely with Doctors
To
compliment their wide range of treatment methods many Chartered
Physiotherapists now use acupuncture
Acupuncture
can be used to treat a wide range of conditions
All
Chartered Physiotherapists are bound by rules of professional
conduct
