Acupuncture

Chinese Medicine is the oldest, continually practiced, medicine in the world. It is over 3000 years old and has proved to work effectively and safely over the millennia. Currently a quarter of the world population uses this form of medicine. This ancient form of healing involves the insertion of very fine needles in to specific points of the body. Acupuncture, along with nutrition and exercise, works with the natural vita energies of the body to promote its ability to heal itself.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile and disposable. A licensed acupuncturist has had thorough training on the safe implementation of this treatment modality.

How does Acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on an "energetic model" rather than the "biochemical model" of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognised the vital energy inherent in all living things. This energy is called Qi (pronounced chi) and over thousands of years of practice, physicians have discovered a system of energy flowing in the human body along specific pathways called meridians.

Each meridian is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. When the Qi in the pathways becomes obstructed, deficient, excessive or imbalanced, disease occurs. The meridians communicate with the surface of the body at specific locations called acupuncture points.
Chinese medicine aims to balance patterns of disharmony in the body. It works to strengthen and awaken the body's natural resources to heal itself. One of the most important foundations of Chinese medicine is the concept which assumes that a part can only be understood in its relation to the whole.
Needles inserted in these points influence the Qi that flows to internal organs. Acupuncture can also affect specific areas of pain associated with injury or trauma. A needle inserted near the area of overstrained muscle or tendon will increase the flow of Qi to that area, which reduces pain and accelerates the healing process. Using a system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, along with findings from other signs and symptoms, the flow of the meridian system is determined. A treatment plan is then formulated to help the body achieve a balanced state of health.

Is Acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, just about the size of a human hair. They bear no resemblance to the needles used when receiving an injection. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed with a minimum of discomfort. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during the treatment. Acupuncture may include a variety of non-needle techniques, such as moxibustion (heat treatment), acupressure and cupping (suction cups).

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments will depend on the nature of the complaint, its severity and how long it has been present. Many conditions may be alleviated rapidly. Other, more chronic conditions will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. Through Traditional Chinese Medicine, a patient will become more aware of his or her own body, thus increasing its ability to maintain well-being. Chinese and Western medicine complement each other and can be integrated to offer optimal health care. In cases where medical circumstances can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine, the acupuncturist's duty is to recommend an appointment with the general practitioner or a specialist.

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture may help fertility by restoring energy flow in the body and increasing circulation. Fine, pain-free sterilised needles are placed at specific points on the body increasing blood flow to the uterus as well as relaxing the nervous system. Many women choose Acupuncture treatment to complement conventional treatment when a functional problem is the cause of subfertility, specifically when endometriosis, ovulation problems, hormonal imbalances or irregular periods are the reason for not conceiving.

Men may also use Acupuncture to help improve low sperm count or poor motility and morphology percentages as well as bringing the body into balance, increasing energy levels or helping overcome addictions such as smoking.

Acupuncture for natural conception

Our highly trained and specialist Acupuncture practitioners tailor treatments for women to each stage of their menstrual cycle by weekly treatments.
Acupuncture treatment may be beneficial in promoting follicle production and improving uterine lining thickness and quality. Acupuncture focuses on optimising a woman's entire system and is intended to improve overall health. As a result, fertility may be greatly enhanced. Acupuncture can also help women who have suffered with recurrent miscarriages and can help to promote a healthy pregnancy.

The immediate effect of acupuncture treatment is, in general, very subtle and accumulative. However, regular treatment can produce significant long lasting benefits without the potential unpleasant side effects.

Couples are advised on specific relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, yoga/pilates and visualisation techniques that help to relax body and mind.

Acupuncture for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Acupuncture has been proven to be effective when used in conjunction with ART procedures such as IVF, IUI and ICSI and may increase the chances of success. Embarking on IVF can be very demanding and stressful and acupuncture treatment can help keep you calm at every stage of the treatment.

Acupuncture treatment for IVF is highly complex and is based on initially bringing the patient into the best possible state of health by treating according to individual TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) diagnosis, increasing blood flow to the uterus, improving the uterine lining as well as relaxing the nervous system and balancing hormones. Once the patient is ready for IVF, Acupuncture treatment is designed to help with the side effects of stimulation drugs and most importantly, supporting each stage of the IVF procedure. In addition, patients are encouraged to learn specific relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation and visualisation techniques that have been designed specifically for IVF and help to relax body and mind before and after embryo transfer.

For women undergoing IVF, a highly specialised and comprehensive Acupuncture package has been developed for all stages and types of assisted conception treatment providing pre-IVF preparation treatment, regular treatment throughout crucial stages of treatment and pre-embryo transfer.

Acupuncture during and after pregnancy

Acupuncture has been proven to be effective for nausea (morning sickness) during pregnancy. Treatment can also be effective for helping prevent anxiety and insomnia and to help induce labour naturally as well as 'turning' breech presentation.

Acupuncture can help women rebalance their hormones, energy levels and help with post-natal depression or illness after childbirth.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is the UK's main regulatory body for the practice of acupuncture by over 2500 professionally qualified acupuncturists.

All BAcC members are bound by strict Codes of Safe Practice, Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures. These Codes ensure that patients are offered the highest standards of professional care during their acupuncture treatment.

The Code of Practice guidelines were drawn up with the advice of the Department of Health and a Public Health Consultant. BAcC practitioners use disposable single use acupuncture needles. These are pre-sterilised, are in sealed packs and are disposed of after each treatment.

Obligatory for membership, all practitioners are covered by full Medical Malpractice & Public/Products Liability insurance.

The British Acupuncture Council represents professional acupuncturists who have an extensive training in acupuncture and the biomedical sciences appropriate to the practice of this therapy. Members practise a recognised and traditional style of diagnosis and treatment therapy. This has been developed and refined over 2000 years and provides patients with an holistic approach to maintaining health and managing illness.

There is no government legislation in the UK covering acupuncture at present. This means that unfortunately anyone can currently provide acupuncture treatment without any professional acupuncture training whatsoever. The BAcC believes that anyone who provides acupuncture treatment should have undertaken an extensive acupuncture training of at least three years full-time or the part-time equivalent. This is irrespective of any prior biomedical training a practitioner may have. A biomedical training is not qualification for the provision of professional acupuncture treatment.

The BAcC maintains standards of education, ethics, practice and discipline to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. It is also committed to promoting research and enhancing the role that traditional acupuncture can play in the health and well-being of the country