THE WONDERS OF ACUPUNCTURE!
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
We at Parham Physiotherapy are often known to offer acupuncture as an adjunct to more conventional types of physiotherapy (e.g. manual therapy, exercise, advice) or as a stand alone treatment. Hopefully in this blog we can answer the age-old question; ‘How does acupuncture actually work’?!
Acupuncture is thought to have originated in China more than 2000 years ago, where it is used as one of a range of treatments provided within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, whilst TCM is taught in a range of medical schools in China, the very different way in looking at how the human body works can be difficult to reconcile with knowledge from modern medicine. Over the past 50 years a review of acupuncture has taken place in the Western world and the concepts now used by Western Medical Acupuncturists have adapted to place more emphasis upon our current knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
The effects of acupuncture are multi-faceted and can be separated into three main areas, described below:
Local Tissue Response. The insertion of an acupuncture needle into soft tissues creates a sterile micro-trauma, creating a localised inflammatory response. This encourages blood flow to the area, stimulating the production of local pain relieving chemicals and potentially releasing trigger points. These effects happen very quickly.
Pain signals can be blocked at the level of the spinal cord when acupuncture points are chosen which lie within the same ‘nerve distribution’ as the problem area. Using this knowledge clinicians can choose points quite a distance from the problem area or even on the opposite side of the body and still get good pain relief. This means that even if the problem cannot be directly needled, for example if you have had a large trauma to an area of your body and it is not suitable to treat it directly, acupuncture can still help. Once again, these effects happen quickly.
The whole body response. In addition to the local and segmental effects described above, acupuncture can have an impact upon the body as a whole. The use of acupuncture (especially points within the hands and feet), can stimulate the production of pain and stress-relieving chemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin. It may also promote sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin and encourage a sense of well-being by stimulating the release of serotonin. These effects take a little longer to occur, but also last for longer :-)
The multi-faceted effects of acupuncture can influence not only the local soft tissues, but also the central nervous system as a whole. It is therefore utilised to help support the management of a broad spectrum of conditions ranging from pain through to systemic health disorders. It can even enhance facial tissue appearance!
CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP ME?
Yes! Acupuncture can be used to treat a diverse array of people and conditions. As with all treatments there are some times at which we may not be able to treat some individuals, however often we are able to modify the acupuncture points chosen to mean we can still provide an effective treatment.
Below is a list of the types of conditions which acupuncture may be able to help you. This list isn’t exhaustive however, so please do get in touch if you would like further information.
Musculoskeletal pain (eg. Back pain, Osteoarthritis, Frozen Shoulder)
Chronic Pain
IBS
Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
Scar tissue release
Facial Aesthetic Cosmetic Enhancement - get your glow back!
Anxiety and sleep disorders
Headaches and migraines
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
The answer to this varies dependent upon a number of factors. The type of problem you attend with, the goals of the treatment and your responsiveness to the acupuncture.
2-3 sessions of needling can be effective in relieving trigger points and local pain, whilst 6-10 sessions may be required to address pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. If you are considering FACE acupuncture guidelines suggest 12 sessions over a 3-4 month period.
CAN I BOOK A COURSE OF ACUPUNCTURE?
Yes! We would love to see you. If you would like to book in for a course of treatment, or simply request further information, please do not hesitate to drop Jackie a line at info@parhamphysiotherapy.co.uk, where she will be happy to discuss the ways in which acupuncture can help you.