What is acupuncture?
During an acupuncture treatment we penetrate the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which we activate through gentle and specific movements.
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.
Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions.
What is acupuncture good for?
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Dental pain
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
- Labour pain
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Respiratory disorders such as allergic rhinitis
- Joint Pain
What happens during an acupuncture session?
Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body and sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A gown, towel or sheet will be provided. You lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:
- Needle insertion. Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on your body. People often don’t feel them inserted at all. Between five and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment and you may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.
- Needle manipulation. Your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.
- Needle removal. In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes while you lie still and relax. and there is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.
What is the cost?
A 45 minute acupuncture session is £50
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture are often used in the same context, to describe similar treatments, but are they the same thing? Please read the following guide from our partners over at Breeze Academy who aims to show the difference between dry needling and acupuncture, from their traditions through to applications.