Western acupuncture

Fine, sterile needles are used, and it doesn't hurt at all. I mean it - if having an immunisation is a 2/10, acupuncture is a 0. 

You may feel a twinge, but usually this subsides - just let me know if it doesn't, and I will reposition the needle. 

I usually advise that three sessions is the average (that's an initial assessment, with two follow-ups) however some people report a complete improvement in symptoms after one treatment, and others prefer to come back for additional follow-ups. 

 Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body ('meridians'). While the precise mechanisms of how acupuncture works are still being studied, there are several theories that help explain its effects.

One theory is that acupuncture stimulates sensory nerves and activates the body's natural pain-inhibitory pathways by triggering the release of endorphins (hormones) and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. 

Another theory suggests that acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary bodily functions), promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being.

Furthermore, some studies have shown that acupuncture may have anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing circulation, and boosting the delivery of oxygen and healing properties to tissues.

It's important to note that acupuncture is a complex practice, and its effects can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. While research is ongoing to further understand the mechanisms of acupuncture, many people report positive outcomes in terms of pain relief, relaxation, and improved overall health and wellness.

'Western' acupuncture has been adapted and integrated into the framework of Western medicine. While it shares some similarities with traditional Chinese acupuncture, there are also notable differences in terms of its approach and underlying principles.

The key difference between lies in their theoretical frameworks: traditional Chinese acupuncture is rooted in the concept of balancing 'Qi' (pronounced "chee") a vital energy that runs through meridians, or pathways, in the body. Imbalances or blockages in the Qi are believed to be the cause of illness or pain, and acupuncture aims to restore the harmonious flow of Qi.

In contrast, Western acupuncture is often explained using neurophysiological concepts (see above) drawing on the understanding of the nervous system, acute pain physiology, and the body's mechanisms of self-regulation. 

Additionally, in the Western model acupuncture is frequently integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan., used in conjunction with other interventions and forming a multidimensional approach to patient care.

While both Chinese and Western acupuncture share the common goal of promoting health and well-being, the Western approach integrates acupuncture within the context of modern medical knowledge and treatment paradigms. It seeks to bridge the gap between ancient Eastern traditions and evidence-based Western medicine, offering patients a broader range of options for managing their health conditions.

I will never sell you a treatment for a treatment's sake: if I believe you need physiotherapy, or a GP referral (or both) then that will be made clear: while acupuncture often solves the pain, the root cause must always be addressed.