The Use Of Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing treatment that promotes pain relief and improved health by inserting very thin, stainless steel needles into the body. In recent years, acupuncture has become one of the most popular alternative medicine treatments for a variety of ailments, including fibromyalgia, chronic pain, depression, and migraine headaches. 

What Is Medical Acupuncture?

Medical acupuncture can be used in many ways, but it’s most frequently utilised for pain relief. It’s an alternative to traditional medications that patients may have become immune to overtime. As with traditional acupuncture, the tiny needles inserted into your skin are used to alleviate pain. Acupuncture is not just a one-time treatment. Acupuncture is a long-term solution for chronic pain. A course of treatment usually lasts from 3 to 8 sessions, and during your course of treatment, you’ll come in for treatments once a week or every two weeks to begin with, then at longer intervals as the condition improves.

What Can It Help With?

Acupuncture is a popular alternative medicine that has been shown in clinical research to help reduce the symptoms of chronic tension-type headaches and migraines. This practice, which dates back thousands of years, is one of the most common forms of alternative medicine in the western world. The NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends acupuncture to treat chronic tension-type headaches and migraines.

You can also use acupuncture to treat many other issues. However, these are not officially recognised by NICE; these include:

• Back and kneck pain 
• Joint pain 
• Postoperative pain 
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• A selection of Podiatric Conditions

How Does It Work?

By using the needle, we are able to stimulate select sensory nerves under the skin as well as in the muscles of the body, resulting in the production of natural, pain-relieving endorphins. It is widely thought that these substances in which the body naturally releases under-stimulation cause the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture. 

While acupuncture is generally successful, it’s important to understand that not everyone has a positive experience. Some people may notice no significant changes in their symptoms. That said, acupuncture often has benefits beyond medical treatment; some patients report that they feel more relaxed and connected with themselves and feel an overall boost to their well being after undergoing the treatment.

Use Of Medical Acupuncture With Other Therapies

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment on its own, but it is also the perfect companion to other forms of treatment. For example, it can be applied in conjunction with physiotherapy and palliative care.

Acupuncture within physiotherapy

Medical acupuncture is a form of treatment that has become increasingly popular among physiotherapists in recent years. It’s a way of managing pain and inflammation.

Acupuncture is believed by many to be an effective way to reduce pain by stimulating the brain and nervous system. This can promote the body’s natural healing process, which can be essential in the treatment of painful musculoskeletal problems.

Acupuncture for palliative care

Medical acupuncture is often used in conjunction with modern medicine as part of a palliative care plan. This form of acupuncture is often more gentle and soft but can still help alleviate other treatments’ symptoms and side effects. It can also help patients feel less stressed and more relaxed.

What To Expect In An Acupuncture Session

The first step of your treatment will be a discussion with your practitioner, who will ask about your medical history, symptoms, habits, and lifestyle. Then they may give you a quick physical examination before starting the acupuncture treatment.

The acupuncturist will choose specific points to place the needles based on your symptoms. Typically, the acupuncturist will use between 6 and 12 points during a session, but this varies depending on how many symptoms you have.

While the number and placement of needles during your treatment may vary, they will always be tailored and bespoke to your individual symptoms. Your practitioner will get to know your case inside and out, and for this reason, your treatment may vary from person to person.

In the acupuncture process, needles are inserted just under the skin, or sometimes slightly deeper to reach muscle tissue. The needles may be left in position for a few minutes or up to half an hour.

Does It Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are generally two centimetres and made of sterilised stainless steel. This is different from the needles used in blood tests or injections, which have a cutting edge and can be more painful. 

There are a variety of sensations when you receive acupuncture. Some people might feel a tingling sensation, while others only feel a dull ache. Some people also feel absolutely nothing; it’s very unlikely you’ll experience any significant pain. You should let your acupuncturist know of any pain you may be feeling straight away.

Is There Anything I Should Tell My Acupuncturist?

Before undergoing treatment, be sure to provide the acupuncturist with the following information.

• Ever had a fit or fainted
• Have a damaged heart valve or risk of skin infection
• Have a pacemaker or implant of an electrical nature

If you have a bleeding disorder, are taking anticoagulants, or any other kind of medication, it’s important to talk to your GP before you have acupuncture. Your GP can help determine if acupuncture is safe for you or not.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Medical Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is generally very safe. It’s possible, though, to experience some mild, temporary side effects such as:

• Pain or discomfort where the needles are inserted
• Drowsiness or feeling faint/dizzy
• Minor bleeding or bruising