ACUPUNCTURE

What is Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture forms a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which the basis of diagnosis and treatment is that the mind and body should be in perfect balance. Originating in China, this ancient system of healing has developed over 2,500 years and today is widely used and accepted all over the world. Traditional acupuncture is a gentle and effective treatment that focuses on helping the whole person, aiming to improve their entire health and wellbeing.

The Yakushi Centre focuses on Japanese acupuncture and Meridian Therapy as well as providing Traditional Chinese acupuncture.

There are some differences between Japanese and Chinese acupuncture but the main ones are that Japanese acupuncture:

· Uses smaller length and diameter needles

· Shallower needle insertion

· Virtually (and in most cases totally) pain free

· Less intrusive

History

Traditional acupuncture is a branch of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) - a tried and tested healthcare system that has been practiced for over 5000 thousand years in China and the Far East. It has been developed, tested, researched and refined over centuries to give us a complex and detailed understanding of the body's energetic balance. The first known book of Chinese Medicine, the Classic of Internal Medicine of the Yellow Emperor, dates back to between the first century BC and the first century AD. All styles of acupuncture currently practiced around the world trace their roots back to this text. Japan developed its own unique form of acupuncture concentrating on a deeper holistic practice. The Giver (therapist) and the Receiver (client) should be in harmony and balance. This balance aids treatment and recovery. There are many techniques that fall under Japanese acupuncture but all should be harmonious to the client.

How Does It Work?

There are two distinct versions of Acupuncture (although many different branches), Eastern and Western.

Western acupuncture follows from a medical diagnosis. It involves stimulating nerves under the skin and in the muscles of the body. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. It's these naturally released substances that are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture. A course of acupuncture usually creates longer lasting pain relief than when a single treatment is used.

Eastern 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"). Traditional acupuncturists believe that when Qi doesn't flow freely through the body, this can cause illness. The use of acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi, and so restore health. Other TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) can be used to help diagnose symptoms such as that of the tongue, ears, throat and stomach.

Benefits

According to WHO (World Health Organization) acupuncture may be effective for treating a variety of conditions. Some are listed here below:

Acne

Allergic rhinitis

Anxiety

Arrhythmias and Heart Failure

Asthma

Back pain

Bell's palsy

Cancer care

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Childbirth

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic pain

Colds and flu

COPD

Coronary heart disease

Cystitis

Dementia

Dentistry

Depression

Dysmenorrhoea

Eczema and Psoriasis

Endometriosis

Facial pain

Female fertility

Fibromyalgia

Frozen shoulder

Gastrointestinal tract disorders

Gout

Headache

Herpes

HIV infection

Hypertension

Infertility ART

Insomnia

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Kidney stone

Male infertility

Menopausal symptoms

Migraines

Multiple sclerosis

Nausea and vomiting

Neck pain

Neuropathic pain

Obesity

Obstetrics

Osteoarthritis

Palliative care

Parkinson's disease

PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Premenstrual syndrome

Puerperium

Raynaud’s

Rheumatoid arthritis

Sciatica

Sinusitis

Sports Injuries

Stress

Stroke

Substance misuse

Tennis elbow

Thyroid disease

Tinnitus

Type-2 Diabetes

Urinary incontinence

Vertigo

What Does Treatment Involve?

An initial acupuncture session usually lasts 40-60 minutes and involves an assessment of your general health, medical history and a physical examination, followed by insertion of the acupuncture needles.

There is no recommended number of sessions needed, Benefit should be felt after the first session and it is usual to require between 3-10 further sessions. some clients come once a month or on a as and when basis after that.

The needles are inserted into specific places on the body, which practitioners call acupuncture points. During the session, you'll usually be asked to sit or lie down. You may also be asked to remove some clothes so the practitioner can access certain parts of your body. The needles used are fine and are usually a few centimetres long. They are single-use, pre-sterilised needles that are disposed of immediately after use.

Acupuncture practitioners choose specific points to place the needles based on your condition. Usually between 5-10 needles are used but depending on the condition a lot more could be used. The needles may be inserted just under the skin, or deeper so they reach muscle tissue. Once the needles are in place, they may be left in position for a length of time lasting from a few minutes up to around 20 minutes. You may feel a tingling or a dull ache when the needles are inserted but shouldn't experience any significant pain.

FAQ's

· Is it safe?

· Yes very, we only use traceable Japanese steel needles. They are all gas sterilized, used only once and disposed of in line with local government protocols. We are fully insured and Licensed by the local Council (EBC)

· Will it hurt?

· People have varying degrees of sensitivity, it is normal for the treatment area to feel warm, tingling, electric pulse but not painful. Some muscles may require more work and therefore a larger needle(s) inserted. we are however, specialised in Japanese acupuncture and the treatments are as pain free as possible.

· How many sessions will I need?

· This will depend on the condition(s), Benefit will be felt from the very first session, usually treatments will be around the 3-6 mark but maybe more.

· Should I still see my GP and/or take prescribed medicine whilst having a course of acupuncture?

· Yes absolutely, you should inform your Health care professional and continue with any medication prescribed. Some local doctors are even sending patients to us!

· Are there any side effects?

· No not really, some may feel a little dizzy or dis-orientated after treatment and certainly relaxed and sedated so it maybe advisable to sit down and readjust before leaving or driving etc

· I am afraid of needles?

· Most people don't like needles; however, acupuncture needles are very different from those used at hospital or the doctors for drawing blood or giving injections. Japanese Acupuncture needles are very much finer and are not hollow. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and once in place they are hardly noticeable. However, if you really can't stand the thought then we offer a wide range of alternatives to Acupuncture including Acupressure (acupuncture without needles), massage etc.