Western Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture like techniques have been used independently in different parts of the world for at least 3000 years.

Traditional acupuncturists use the concept of a vital force called “Chi” thought to circulate throughout the organs in channels called meridians to explain how health is maintained. In order to remain healthy, traditional theory dictates that Chi must flow correctly, in terms of strength and quality, along these meridians. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and theoretically provide one means of altering the flow of Chi. Traditional acupuncture relies on several methods of diagnosis including pulses, the appearance of the tongue, speech and history of the patient.

Western medical acupuncture is based on contemporary understanding of neurophysiology and the recognised mechanisms of sensory neuromodulaton. Acupuncture points are thought to correlate to sites where external stimulation results in a greater sensory stimulus, such as motor end plates of muscles and peripheral nerve bundles. Diagnosis is carried out conventionally or osteopathically, in my case, and therapy is based on selection of points, such as “trigger points” found on examination or other points based on the known nerve supply of the tissues at the site of pain or dysfunction.

How does it feel?

Most importantly, from a patient perspective, acupuncture rarely hurts much. Feelings described include warmth, throbbing ache, and no sensation at all!

Clinically, acupuncture is most often used to treat pain, especially acute musculoskeletal pain such as that associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, and low back pain, neck and shoulder pains. Muscle pain seems to be very responsive to acupuncture treatment, though clinical trials have not been completed for this condition. Acupuncture appears to be effective in the treatment of chronic headache including migraine.

Feelings of post-operative nausea and vomiting, as well as chemotherapy induced nausea, appear to be reduced with acupuncture treatment.The role of acupuncture in other non-pain conditions is less well established, although it appears to show promise in managing instability of the bladder detrusor muscle and possibly in the management of some forms of infertility.

Risks

With the advent of sterile, single use disposable needles, risks of infection and cross infection have been reduced dramatically and are now near zero.

Serious traumatic adverse events, most commonly pneumothorax, are preventable with a thorough knowledge of anatomy and the use of safe needling techniques. Of the minor adverse events, the most common is bruising, which occurs in about 3 per 100 treatments. Sedation or a feeling of deep relaxation following treatment is also common and can be marked in 1 per 100 treatments.

Important things to tell your acupuncturist:

• If you have ever experienced a fit faint or blackout
• If you have a pace maker or other electrical implants
• If you have a bleeding/clotting disorder
• If you are taking anti-coagulants or any other medication
• If you have damaged heart valves or any other condition which may increase your risk of infection

For further information or to discuss your needs please call Francesca on 01225 722055.

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