Can acupuncture help me?
Acupuncture treats a wide variety of conditions by stimulating the body's natural healing process to relieve aches and pain, support mental-emotional health and promote general well-being. Other techniques such as cupping therapy and Gua Sha are also used in combination with acupuncture to:
- increase blood circulation to our tissues and organs
- balance hormones
- regulate our immune systems
- trigger our 'rest and digest' nervous system to encourage better sleep and digestion
- reduce inflammation
- stimulate the release of endorphins (feel good hormones) to relieve pain, reduce stress & improve mood
Conditions
I've treated many conditions in clinic including sleep disorders, migraines/headaches, digestive issues, musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, pain conditions and women's health. People also seek treatment for general health and well-being support.
For guidance on how acupuncture treatment may be beneficial to you, please refer to the factsheets on the British Acupuncture Council website (BAcC) or contact me on the enquiry form (see below).
The Evidence Based Acupuncture (EBA) website gives an overview of scientific evidence where acupuncture has proven to have a positive effect, based on clinical research.
Traditional Chinese Medicine review of evidence...
Acupuncture for Breech Presentation
(Evidence Based Acupuncture)
'In 2017, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) included moxibustion (and acupuncture) in their Green-top Guidelines for External Cephalic Version (ECV) and Reducing the Incidence of Term Breech Presentation'.
The RCOG guidelines recommend that pregnant people may wish to consider the use of acupuncture (and/or moxibustion*) at 33-35 weeks gestation.
'Since treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion can be attempted several weeks prior to an ECV**, it has potential to be an effective, safe, and well tolerated first-line option for breech presentation.' (2)
References
(1) External Cephalic Version and Reducing the Incidence of Term Breech Presentation: Green-top Guideline No. 20a. BJOG: Int J Obstet Gy 124, e178–e192 (2017).
(2) Acupuncture & Moxibustion for Breech Presentation, Evidence Based Acupuncture.org
Terms
*moxibustion: burning dried herbs in the shape of a stick or cone near to the body
**ECV: External Cephalic Version procedure used in Western Medicine to turn the position of the baby
'Acupuncture as a Therapeutic Treatment for Anxiety'...
(Evidence Based Acupuncture, 2018)
Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s own feel-good chemicals.
This plays an important role in the regulation of physical and emotional stress responses such as pain, heart rate, blood pressure and digestive function.
This has a direct effect on reducing anxiety and improving the body’s ability to cope with stress.
Acupuncture is often combined with other forms of therapies and treatment approaches to support mental-emotional health.
Acupuncture for pain...
'Pain is a global problem...acupuncture is excellent for pain' (Evidence Based Acupuncture, 2022)
According to the Evidence Based Acupuncture Project, this form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is 'widely known for its effectiveness in the treatment of pain', has a 'unique role in reducing suffering' and is a ‘safe and effective alternative’ compared to some pharmaceutical forms of pain relief.
Gua Sha...
Gua Sha is a Traditional Chinese healing technique that is used to treat chronic pain all over the body by stimulating blood circulation to muscles, tissues and organs. A smooth edged massage tool is used to stroke and press on the skin to reduce inflammation, break-up adhesions and release muscular tension thereby alleviating pain.
Fertility...
Along with nutritional and lifestyle changes, acupuncture is often sought by both men and women to help with their fertility, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with Western medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has demonstrated that it can regulate the menstrual cycle and the hormones involved in menstruation and fertility, as well as improve blood flow to the uterus. It is also reported to help with infertility related conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
In men, the aim of treatment is to maximise sperm quality and vitality, as well as consider any associated lifestyle factors.
Menopausal symptoms and acupuncture...
(Evidence Based Acupuncture, 2022)
Referred to as a 'natural phenomenon', the symptoms associated with menopause range from mild to debilitating, which include hot flushes, night sweats, weight gain, mood disorders, sleep disturbances and memory issues.
The positive news is that acupuncture may offer relief for women, with many now seeking therapies such as acupuncture as a 'first-line treatment'.
Changes to diet and lifestyle are also known to be beneficial*.
(*The Good Menopause Guide, Liz Earle, 2018)
Chronic tension headaches...
Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management (NICE, 2021).
The guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence suggests a 'course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over 5 to 8 weeks for the (preventative) treatment of chronic tension‑type headache' (NICE, 2021, section 1.3.9).
Alongside holistic therapies, eating nutritious food on a regular basis (and not skipping meals), drinking plenty of water, exercising properly and reducing stress in our lives are all self-care measures to reduce overall tension in our bodies.
Pregnancy & Postpartum support...
Acupuncture, cupping and moxa are therapies often used to support physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and as part of postpartum recovery*.
They ‘can be used to assist with a range of pregnancy related conditions and symptoms’:
- Nausea
- Digestive issues
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Sleep issues
- Headaches & migraines
- Haemorrhoids
- Varicose veins
- Postpartum recovery
(* Source: Zita West; Debra Betts)
Acupuncture and Long Covid...
(British Acupuncture Council, 2022)
For those of us suffering with the long-term effects of Coronavirus, it is reported that studies are showing 'clear evidence' that 'acupuncture can have a direct impact on the immune system' and can increase the 'body's ability to fight infections'. Not only this but its 'anti-inflammatory action' is proving 'useful in cases’ where patients are ‘suffering from symptoms caused by Covid-19’.