Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised 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 practiced 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 medications 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.

60 year old Arthur came to Impact with sciatica, with constant sharp pain in the right buttock, thigh and knee. He had been prescribed painkillers by his GP, which he was taking twice daily. However, he was concerned about continuing medication as he was developing stomach symptoms. He began acupuncture treatment, which focussed on local points at the affected sites and points along the appropriate channels.

After the first treatment, he reported only a slight improvement, with the sharp pain reduced to a dull ache. However, by the sixth and final treatment, he reported being completely pain free and no longer needed to take painkillers. Three months later, Arthur reported still being symptom-free.

Professional Organisation Links

British Acupuncture Council: www.acupuncture.org.uk
British Medical Acupuncture Society: www.medicalacupuncture.co.uk