How can acupuncture help me?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which dates back over 2000 years ago. In TCM, we become unwell or experience particular symptoms when there is a disruption to the body's internal balance, or an inability for the body to adapt to external environmental influences. Acupuncture aims to restore a state of balance by encouraging the smooth flow of qi (energy) throughout the body.
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In Western medicine terms, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release natural pain relieving chemicals such as endorphins, and influences other chemicals and hormones such as oxytocin, melatonin and serotonin, which positively impact stress, sleep and overall wellbeing. Additionally, the insertion of fine needles increases blood flow a particular area, supporting the body's natural healing process.
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Stress & Anxiety
Acupuncture taps into the parasympathetic nervous system and our 'rest and digest' mode. It can be incredibly effective at reducing symptoms commonly associated with stress and anxiety such as overwhelm, panic attacks, palpitations and headaches.
Research has demonstrated that acupuncture can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. It is also effective in treating tension-type headaches. NICE guidelines recommend a course of 10 acupuncture sessions for both tension-type headaches and migraines.
Pain
There is good evidence showing acupuncture to be effective in treating pain-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, low back pain and fibromyalgia. NICE guidelines currently recommend acupuncture for chronic pain.
Sports Injuries
Acupuncture and related modalities such as cupping and gua sha are gaining popularity amongst athletes and sports players to treat musculokskeletal conditions and injuries. Acupuncture can help to release tight muscles and improve blood flow to an area to accelerate healing. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with physiotherapy and osetopathy.
Sleep & Insomnia
Acupuncture can help to improve sleep quality, reduce sleep awakenings and promote relaxation. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture increases nocturnal melatonin secretion, a hormone that controls how and when we sleep.
Digestive Issues
Research has shown that acupuncture can regulate gastrointestinal motility and gastric acid secretion, and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture is widely used for bloating, nausea and vomiting, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), constipation and diarrhoea.
Fertility
Acupuncture can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, increase blood flow to the uterus and improve sperm and egg quality.
During an IVF or assisted conception journey, acupuncture can help to reduce the side effects of medications, increase the chances of successful embryo transfer and provide much needed emotional support during this time. Research has found that acupuncture could boost IVF live birth rates by 33.8%.
Pregnancy
Acupuncture can be particularly beneficial in supporting pregnancy and associated symptoms such as nausea, morning sickness and lower back pain. It can also help to prepare the body for birth, encourage labour, provide emotional support and assist in post-partum recovery.
