Acupuncture
What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a treatment with origins in ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic effect or preventative purposes. It is used in many NHS GP practices, as well as in most pain clinics and hospices in the UK.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles.
This results in the body producing pain-relieving endorphins. It’s likely that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects.
A course of acupuncture usually creates longer lasting pain relief than when a single treatment is used.
What are the uses of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health conditions. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines for the NHS on the use of treatments and care of patients.
Currently, NICE recommends it as a treatment option for:
- chronic (long-term) pain
- chronic tension-type headaches
- migraines
- joint pain
- dental pain
- postoperative pain
- muscle pain
- muscle spasm
Our trained acupuncturists will best advise as to when they feel this form of treatment is best for you, and whether it forms part of treatment that also includes osteopathy.