Therapies - Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the most popular and well-established forms of complementary medicine in the UK. It has its roots in a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that’s been practiced for thousands of years. This involves the insertion ultra-fine, metal needles at various carefully chosen points on the skin.

How does it work?
Acupuncturists believe it regulates the flow of ‘vital energy’, known as ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’), that circulates through a series of electrical channels in the body, known as meridians. Stimulating the acupuncture points is thought to release blockages in this energy flow and stimulate healing mechanisms. More conventional theories include triggering the production of ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain known as endorphins, blocking pain receptors or stimulating the nervous system by means of acupuncture needles.

Who practises it?
The practitioners in Oriental Healing Clinic are all qualified TCM doctors. They had been trained in both Western medicine and Chinese medicine and had been practicing TCM techniques in Chinese hospitals for over 10 years before they came to UK. They have also fully registered with the local council.

What's it used for?
It's usually used to treat pain, relieve common ailments and promote general health. Other uses include:
•  treating injuries in sports medicine
•  to relieve childhood illnesses
•  to promote self healing
•  to help overcome drug addiction

What if I am Healthy, will I benefit from acupuncture?
Yes. Everyone benefits from acupuncture if it is done correctly. Though you are healthy now, acupuncture will help boost your immune system and keep your body’s energy more balanced. By ‘balanced’ we mean, at the state in which your body functions most efficiently, allowing it to fight off daily pressures such as: stress, work, weather changes, illness, etc. This improved efficiency will lead to a healthier, happier, less stressful and possibly even longer life.

Does it hurt?
Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer, and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling.

Will acupuncture cure me completely?
This depends on what you are being treated for. Some illnesses can be cured, and many more can be helped a lot although not completely cured. In such cases you may need to have repeated treatments at intervals, perhaps once every month.

How many treatments will I need?
You may get benefits after just one treatment but often a course of six to ten treatments is recommended. Generally speaking, patients with acute conditions recover faster than those with chronic conditions. Certainly a course of treatment is required, one off miracle cures are unusual! Some changes either in yourself generally, or in your condition directly should be noticed after 4 - 6 treatments. Treatments are often once or twice a week to begin with and then spread over increasing intervals of time.

How much will it cost?
Private treatment usually costs around £30 to £45 a session, but may be more depending on location and the experience of the practitioner. Our price is £35 pound per session. Consultations are free after a £10 initial registration charge. If you have private health insurance then acupuncture treatment may be covered, so check with your provider.

I tried acupuncture before and it did not work, how come?
There are various styles of acupuncture and practitioners use various approaches to treat the same condition. A different approach or style might help you more than another. Another thing to consider is the length of time you may need to improve your condition. The number of treatments needed for each condition is different in each case and with every acupuncturist.
Are there any side-effects?

Acupuncture is usually safe when practised by properly qualified practitioners. Common, mild side-effects are slight drowsiness after treatment. Occasional side-effects are mild bruising or very slight bleeding at one or more points if needles have been inserted near tiny blood vessels.