Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment based on the ancient Chinese belief that in order for the body to remain healthy there needs to be a balance of vital energy of "chi" flowing through it. If this balance is disturbed or the overal level is wrong then illness is thought to result.
This energy is thought to circulate in channels called meridians. Over the last 400 years, careful observation by the chinese has led to the discovery of various points along these meridians, which correspond to different areas of the body. Stimulation of these points is thought to restore that balance of energy and so bring about pain relief.
The incorporation of a Western approach to acupuncture has given a more scientific basis to its use by findings which show that the body's natural pain relieving chemicals called endorphins are released during treatment.
Acupuncture is ....
- Relatively painless
- A safe form of treatment used for a wide range of painful conditions
- Often used in conjunction with other forms of physiotherapy treatment
Treatment
- Needles are single patient use only to avoid any kind of contamination
- Each session will take approx 20 - 30 minutes
- You can expect to know after 3 - 5 treatments if it will be an effective form of treatment for you
- In some areas blood donors are asked not to give blood for 6 months after having acupuncture. If this is likely to affect you, please mention it to your physiotherapist who will sign an exemption certificate
Important
- Do make sure that you have eaten at some point in the day prior to receiving treatment
- Sometimes people may feel sleepy after treatment - If you are not sure how you may react arrange to be picked up rather than drive after treatment
- If you have a cold/flu, it is best not to receive acupuncture in the first three days