Acupuncture is an holistic approach to the management of disease and the maintenance of health, based on over 3000 years of history in the Far East. With treatment consisting of the insertion of very fine needles into the skin, it is one of the most rapidly growing complementary therapies in the UK.

Chinese theory states that the body's energies stagnate when there is a medical problem. Stimulation, through the use acupuncture needles, frees the flow of the energy and helps the body to restore itself to a healthy state.

Research shows that acupuncture needles release endorphins, the natural pain relieving chemicals stored in the brain. These chemicals not only provide pain relief but also assist the body in its healing process.

When acupuncture is used it may be combined with a range of other treatment techniques eg; exercise and manual therapy.

Acupuncture can help treat the following conditions:

• dizziness, headaches
• pain, nausea
• muscle & joint problems
• neck & back pain
• arthritis
• rheumatism
• acute/chronic injuries
• sports injuries

Acupuncture does not work for all patients, and response rates vary, but most patients experience pain relief when conventional medical treatment has not worked.

Some patients respond quickly, while others require a few treatments before the benefits are felt (this is more common with acute conditions).

Sometimes, symptoms appear to worsen to start with. However, this is not normally a worsening of the condition, merely a result of the treatment, before the benefit is felt.

The simple answer is "no".

Some patients may experience some discomfort as the fine needles are inserted, but this feeling should not last. Often the sensation is the body's response to the release of free flowing energy.

Side effects are rare but if you have any concerns please speak to your therapist.
Our therapists work under the strictest hygiene conditions and only use disposable pre-sterilised needles.