How Acupuncture Works

Simply put, acupuncture can be described in Western, and Eastern terms.
In western, acupuncture points are often placed along nerve pathways. Inserting a needle in these points stimulates an electrical and chemical reaction within the body, which causes the tissues to react accordingly.

In Eastern terms, acupuncture points are mostly placed along energy pathways, called meridians. Each meridian has a particular purpose within the body. Treating these points, according to the classis texts, helps move energy, or Qi around the body. The Chinese believe, if any stagnation of Qi (pronounced chi) exists within the body, pain will follow.

How Does Acupuncture Differ from Western Medicine?

We work closely with western medicines and we regard very highly the importance of scientific advances in the modern world. X-rays, chemotherapy, MRI scans could never be replaced by Chinese medicine.
However, because a drug enters the body via the blood stream, all drugs have side effects. It is the discretion of a G.P, to balance between the desired effect of a drug, and the possible negative side effects.
Acupuncture does not inject anything in to the body. It stimulates energy, nerve pathways and tissues within the body, which help the mind, and body heal itself. Many natural chemicals are released within the body, when a needle is inserted. Endorphins, which are natural painkillers, are just one example of how acupuncture can help, in a musculo-skeletal disorders, such as arthritis.

Here’s why
We only use top quality, sterilised “one use, disposable” needles. We operate a strict health and safety regime, laid down by our vigorous training, and is part of our commitment to our insurance company, the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists).
Acupuncture needles are just a quarter of the size of 'normal' needles. Acupuncture needle sizes vary in size, from .18 to .30 of a millimetre. Our most commonly used, being the 0.2mm, which is slightly wider than coarse human hair.
Hypodermic needles on the other hand, vary from 4.5mm, down to. 18mm. For taking blood samples, the most common size is 0.8mm, that’s 4 times wider than our most commonly used 0.20 needle.

Acupuncture shouldn’t hurt. You will likely feel a sensation of “De qi”. This Chinese expression describes the sensation felt when an acupuncturist finds “Qi” within the body. Qi is the energy, and life-force that the ancient Chinese believe flows inside, and everywhere around us.
When “De qi”, is felt, the experience will be different for everyone. It may temporarily feel like tingling, pulsing, or a “dull” sensation in the area of the acupoint being addressed.
This feeling can often radiate to other parts of the body. This is because the sensation can follow energy pathways, or meridians, which lay on the same pathway, as the acupuncture point.
This is a good sign, as it means the Qi, or energy is moving, rather than being stuck in one area, which is often the cause of pain and discomfort Once the sensation is felt, but not always necessary, we may leave the needles in place, for approximately 15-20 minutes, in which time, the sensation will fade.