What is Acupuncture?

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Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique for balancing the flow of energy life force of the body - called 'chi' or 'qi' energy. This is practiced with the use of needles inserted through a person's skin at specific points of the body called acupuncture points. There are various disorders treated with the use of acupuncture. There is also increased use of this method for treating pain and relief from discomfort. Other treatments may include acupressure, cupping, electric or magnetic stimulation, massage, gua sha, tui na or moxibustion. Acupuncture has been used effectively for hundreds of years for a variety of diseases. This has also been used for relieving stress, back and joint pains, headaches, eyestrain, it may improve your immune system, relief from allergy, hormonal issues and for cosmetic reasons among others. However, we cannot provide a guarantee for the outcome of any course of the treatment. 

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The Acupuncture Procedure?  

 

The patient may lie down on a padded table for the treatment or sit in a chair. For the insertion of the needles, it shall be inserted through the skin in various depths, depending on the strategic points. These needles are very thin so the patient will not feel pain, but may feel some mild discomfort or sensation. Once it reaches the correct path, the patient might feel some mild aching sensation or heat. The acupuncturist may move or swirl the needles after placement or apply heat or electrical pulses. The needles will remain in place for around 10 to 20 minutes.

 

Is Acupuncture Safe?  

 

Extensive research has shown that reported adverse events following acupuncture are incredibly rare and that most side effects are mild and pass very quickly. Serious side effects following acupuncture are uncommon, with research showing that on average only 1 in 10,000 treatments results in a significant side effect. One may experience soreness or minor bleeding, numbness, tingling, or bruising on the parts where the needles were inserted. We use single-use, disposable needles in our practice so risk of infection is down to the lowest minimal if none at all. 

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Possible Side-Effects? 

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The most common minor side effects are but are not limited to: local bruising, minor bleeding, dizziness, fainting, itchiness, redness, pain or discomfort, and sometimes the possible aggravation of symptoms existing prior to acupuncture treatment before improvement to the condition. In addition, some patients experience other responses including: drowsiness, tiredness and feeling relaxed, fainting during treatment (although this is rare and most likely during the first treatment). The majority of minor adverse events pass very quickly following treatment, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Having spoken to your practitioner, if you still have concerns you should or arrange to discuss your symptoms with your GP. Most people feel pleasantly relaxed with no ill effects after treatment.

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Acupuncture restrictions? 

 

Not everyone is a good candidate for acupuncture. There are certain conditions which we treat with caution due to the risk of complications and as such we would ask that you check with us and your physician before undergoing any acupuncture. These conditions are pregnant women, anyone fitted with a pacemaker and also if you have a bleeding disorder or you are taking some blood thinners. With the procedure there is the chance of bleeding or bruising. If one has a pacemaker, acupuncture that involves applying mild electrical pulses may not be a suitable method as it may interfere with the pacemaker's operation. If one is pregnant, certain types of acupuncture may not be suitable to give as it may stimulate labor and could result in premature delivery. Please notify us if you are pregnant before undergoing any procedure. 

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Contraindications 

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As with any medical treatment, there are certain contraindications for acupuncture treatments, including:

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• Drug or alcohol intoxication

• Use of a pacemaker

• A seizure disorder

• Bleeding disorder such as hemophilia or use of blood thinners

• Infections skin disorder or disease

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And lastly please let me know if you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, needling in the abdominal and lumbosacral area should be avoided. There are also certain points eslewhere on the body which should not be needled as they may stimulate early labour.

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Contraindications 

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Please make sure you are not testing positive for Covid. Come washed and clean and in comfortable clothing. You may need to undress to be treated but modesty is respected.