Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA) is based on the ancient theory that energy or ‘life force’ flows around the body in channels called meridians. The belief is that when this life force, known as ‘Qi,’ does not flow freely it can stagnate, leading to illness and injury.

Western Medical Acupuncture takes this concept into account but focuses on the use of acupuncture following a medical diagnosis. We use the Western approach in our clinic. We use our needles to stimulate bundles of sensory nerves located in the skin and muscle. We have three types of nerve receptors in our skin. One type triggers the brain to produce the feeling of pain in an area causing the discomfort you experience. The type we target with acupuncture are signals that actually travel to the brain faster and ‘block’ these pain signals registering, in turn switching off the pain. Stimulating these nerves causes the body to release its own natural pain-relieving substances. By using tactile touch while inserting the needle we trigger pressure receptors which are not involved in pain but that cause the limbic system in the brain to release ‘happy hormones.’ Natural inflammatory chemicals are drawn towards the site of the needle and area of injury to promote healing. Ultimately, acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline.

We tend to recommend a course of acupuncture treatment, as evidence suggests that it usually creates longer lasting pain relief compared to a single treatment. Occasionally it can take up to 3 sessions to build up required receptors in the skin and up to 6 sessions to feel the benefits. Unless used solely for muscle spasm and more so in chronic conditions we generally recommended a course of 10-12 sessions.

What to expect:

Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles into the skin at various points. These are left in situ for a period of time, during which we will stimulate them by gently twisting them. We will make you comfortable during this.

Prior to your first treatment…We will explain about acupuncture, how it works, what it involves and what you can expect afterwards. We will give you a leaflet yo take home and read so you can decide in your own time if this is something you would like to try.

We will always start with a test dose which involves fewer needles placed in for a shorter time and stimulated less, just to start you off and gauge how you respond.
Acupuncture works best in those who have greater sensory receptors. These receptors can be built up with more exposure to acupuncture over a couple of session, so you may not feel the benefits straight away.

The needles are very fine and rarely enter the skin more than 2cms, in some cases you may not even feel them in others they cause some pain initially. We will go through with you what sensations are normal and which ones indicate you are having a good response.
We will always use acupuncture alongside other physio treatments. The most important point about acupuncture is that is not a cure especially for chronic conditions. It is useful in the management of pain and in triggering the body’s natural healing process. It is helpful in minimising pain in order to improve quality of life but also in reducing pain to allow other physio treatment (strengthening, range of movement etc) to occur.

When carried out by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is generally very safe. Physiotherapist have an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and structures of the body. Due to this, we are one of the safest professionals to perform acupuncture. We have been trained by the AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapist).

We recommend that you have eaten something before a session and bring a ‘mars bar’ and some water with you. We also ask you to please be mindful driving after your appointment.

To ensure complete safety we will go through a health screening questionnaire with you prior to any treatment.