Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. It is used in many NHS general practices, as well as the majority of pain clinics and hospices in the UK. Acupuncture involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles of the body. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. A course of acupuncture usually creates longer lasting pain relief than when a single treatment is used.
Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or "life force", flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced “chee"). Practitioners identify when Qi doesn't flow freely through the body, which are thought to cause illness and imbalance. By restore the flow of Qi, balance is better restored.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends considering acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic tension-type headaches and migraines. Acupuncture is also often used to treat other musculoskeletal conditions (of the bones and muscles) and pain conditions, including:
Private and NHS referrals are welcome.
Acupressure works on the same principles as Acupuncture and derives similar results but the treatment is delivered without the insertion of needles. Therapists apply pressure rather than needles to the relevant parts of the body.
