Western Medical Acupuncture

Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA) Involves the use of acupuncture needles, with points being chosen on scientific principles of neurophysiology. Local needling of tender points, trigger points and acupuncture points treat musculo-skeletal and emotional conditions and segmental acupuncture is used to enhance the effect and to treat visceral conditions. The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) represents regulated health professionals, the malorlty of whom use acupuncture as an additional therapy within their chosen speciality. The Society believes that acupuncture has an important role to play in healthcare today and that it is vital to present a balanced view in order that practitioners and patients may make informed decisions about its use.

Responsible Acupuncture

During the past few years acupunctrure has become increasingly popular. Whilst it is exciting that the range of medical applications of acupuncture is increasing, it does mean that the responsible practitioner of acupuncture has a duty to inform both other colleagues and the general public about the strengths and weaknesses of the technique.

Ambitious claims have been made of acupuncture in the past, and not all of these claims have been substantiated. This has resulted in some continued scepticism within the healthcare environment. Acupuncture can be an effective method of treatment for certain conditions, and it can have wide ranging beneficial effects in some patients. Therin lies the problem: it is important to be clear about the potential benefits, but since acupuncture works throught harnessing some of the body's own pain relieving and repair mechanisms, there is a substantial degree of variation in the response of different individuals.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture Is a treatment that can relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions and may help encourage the patient's body to heal and repair Itself. It stimulates the nerves In skin, muscle and other tissues and can produce a variety of effects. We know that it Increases the body's natural painkillers including endorphins and serotonin, in the pathways of both the brain and spinal cord. This modifies the way pain signals are perceived by the brain. Acupuncture can do more than simply reduce pain however - it seems to have a beneficial effect on the health of some individuals. Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing after treatment.

Current research shows that acupuncture can affect most of the body's systems - the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone production, circulation, and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

Is Acupuncture Painful?

Each patient's case is assessed by the practitioner and treatment tailored to the individual but a typical treatment Involves fine needles being inserted through the skin and left in position briefly, sometimes with electrical or manual stimulation. The number of needles varies but may be only two or three. This is often painless but can occasionally be felt as a mild sting that settles once the needle is fully inserted. Treatment might be once a week to begin with, then at longer intervals as the condition responds. A typical course of treatment lasts five to eight sessions.

What Conditions Can Respond To Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is effective in a wide range of painful conditions and is commonly used to treat musculo-skeletal pain, for example in the back, neck, shoulder and leg. It has also been used successfully in the treatment of headache, migraine, 'trapped nerves', muscle strain, sports injuries and various kinds of rheumatic/arthritic pain.

Some other situations in which acupuncture might be used are:

Clinical research has yet to confirm whether or not acupuncture is useful in the management of weight loss. It may be helpful in the suppression of appetite, but lifesyle modification would be necessary to maintain any weight loss achieved.

The conditions above are not an exhaustive list and many other conditions have been treated with acupuncture. Before starting a course of treatment, the practitioner must be sure that all the necessary tests have been carried out that may point to any serious or potentially serious condition that may require other forms of treatment.

Acupuncture - today and tomorrow

Techniques resembling acupuncture have been used for over 5000 years. A comprehensive system was developed in the Far East and this was first introduced into Europe in the 17th century. However, widespread interest in the technique did not develop until the political events of the 1970's allowed travel restrictions between East and West to be eased.

Because of increasing public intrest in the subject over the last thirty or forty years, considerable scientific research has been carried out, though much remains to be done. We now know much more about how acupuncture works and some of the myths about it can be laid to rest. It is demonstrably untue to say that the effects of acupuncture are all in the mind.

Modern imaging techniques have demonstrated changes in brain activity - particularly those areas responsible for the processing of pain and suffering.

As we learn more about it, the possibilities of using acupuncture alongside orthodox medicine increase. It is provided by a continually growing number of regulated healthcare professionals.

Why come to the BeeWell Clinic for Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a potent therapy and whilst it is generally safer than most conventional treatments, if used without due care it can have adverse effects or interactions with other treatments. Acupuncture should only be used by correctly trained practitioners who are equipped to assess the risks and benefits of applying it.

The BMAS promotes the use of acupuncture within orthodox medicine along with regulated healthcare settings, as one of a range of therapies for treatment of defined medical conditions.

As a member of the BMAS, you can be assured that I have undergone the necessary recognised training and passed the relevant assessments required to practice safely and effectively. All members are subject to the Society's Code of Practice and Complaints Procedure in addition to statutory regulation of their own primary profession (in this case McTimoney Chiropractic).

If you would like to discuss whether acupuncture may help you, please contact the clinic.