What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary treatments in the UK, it is derived from Chinese medicine and has been in existence over 2000 years.

With over 13,000 clinical trials registered in the Cochrane Database, and numerous systematic reviews demonstrating its effectiveness, acupuncture continues to gain recognition as a valuable treatment option. This includes within the NHS, where it's offered as a complementary approach to managing various health conditions. Organisations including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have endorsed acupuncture for a variety of conditions, further affirming its credibility. 

With acupuncture gaining significant support from ongoing research, studies show that acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, often referred to as the body's natural 'feel-good' chemicals. These endorphins share similarities with painkillers and can positively influence various aspects of your wellbeing, including mood, immunity, digestion, and hormonal balance.

During acupuncture treatment, very fine, single-use, sterile needles are inserted at certain points in the body for preventative or therapeutic purposes. The focus of treatment is on the individual and takes a holistic approach to symptoms, signs and also the emotions. Acupuncture can be used as a stand-alone therapy or can be given alongside other Western medicine treatments.

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective Qi (life force or energy) flows through the body along pathways called meridians. When you are in good health, the Qi flows freely. When the Qi is interrupted or slowed, illness or pain can occur. Acupuncture looks to address these imbalances by unblocking, balancing and stimulating the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

From a Western medical perspective acupuncture stimulates sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. This causes the body to produce natural substances such as pain relieving endorphins. These endorphins have similar characteristics to painkillers that can affect systems in our bodies such as immunity, digestion and hormones. Acupuncture can decrease inflammation, ease muscle pain and boost the immune system by increasing the T-cell count.