Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been used in China for thousands of years, and is now widely practiced in the West. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy which flow around the body, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance. Impact’s outcomes, in line with other research, demonstrate that acupuncture is particularly effective in treating chronic pain, back pain and musculoskeletal disorders. It is now widely available in NHS pain management clinics and drug and alcohol misuse services.

“Before coming here, I was in constant pain and there were a lot of things I couldn’t do. Since coming here, I’ve not been in constant pain and I’ve done more than I did before.”
Impact comments book

During the first consultation, which takes around an hour, a full history is taken, and the acupuncturist also takes the pulses on both wrists and examines the tongue. A diagnosis is then made, and treatment begins. Acupuncture needles are fine (0.2mm in diameter) and solid, rather than hollow, causing a minimum of discomfort. When they are inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. During treatment, patients often experience heaviness or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

Following treatment, the symptoms may feel slightly worse for a day or two, before improvement begins. Many people find that they have more energy and sleep better. Progress may be gradual or rapid; the speed of progress depends on the individual and may be affected by factors such as the duration of the patient’s illness and the medication they are taking. Treatment usually takes place once a week and becomes less frequent as improvements in health develop. A course of acupuncture usually takes around ten consultations, but will vary according to individual circumstances. For the management of some long term conditions, monthly maintenance consultations are required.

29 year old John was referred for acupuncture as he was suffering from constant headaches. There was a history of migraines in his family and he remembered suffering from migraines from the age of three. He had also suffered a bad fall three years previously, which had left him with a constant headache and a desire to sleep a lot. A CT scan had not revealed any damage. He took a variety of painkillers which would take the edge off but not remove the pain.

After his second treatment John reported that he had avoided taking any painkillers and whilst he was still waking up in pain he was suffering much less through the day. During the course of treatment John reported that the severity, duration and frequency of his headaches had decreased. When he did have headaches, he found that taking two painkillers would usually remove them. He had no migraines at all whilst having treatment.

Professional Organisation Links

British Acupuncture Council: www.acupuncture.org.uk