Acupuncture

Associated Therapists

Erik Pietzka

Acupuncture is the practice of treating people using needles and the Chinese system of medicine that governs which points are used.

People have been treated for thousands of years using acupuncture. Ancient texts describe a complex but fascinating insight into how the human body works. Acupuncturists use this tried and tested theory and apply it to modern complaints.

A traditional acupuncturist views the body as a reflection of the greater world. As such, the body is in constant, dynamic interaction with the environment. Health in this system is not static, but rather the ability to adapt gracefully to all the changes and challenges that life sends ones way. Anything from environmental conditions (for example living in a damp house) to dietary choices and the emotional stresses that work/life throws up can upset this delicate balance and create illness. A healthy person can manage these changes while maintaining their health.

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE DO?

Acupuncture rebalances the body to positively affect health. The effects can be subtle, giving you a calm relaxed feeling while at the same time being able to help with real physical and emotional issues that many people experience day to day.

Treatment is aimed at the root of your condition as well as your main symptoms. This approach helps with resolving your problem and enhancing your feeling of wellbeing. You may notice other niggling problems resolve as your main health complaint improves.

Acupuncture originated in China and other far eastern cultures where it still features in mainstream healthcare, both as a stand-alone therapy and in combination with conventional western medicine. Acupuncture is now widely used and accepted all over the world. In the UK more and more people are finding out what acupuncture can do for them.

WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE DO FOR ME?

What can acupuncture do for me? Some people turn to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or condition. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain good health, as a preventive measure, or simply to improve their general sense of wellbeing. Because traditional acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation, it can be effective for a range of conditions.

Remember that acupuncturists treat the person, not just the condition they have, so each patient’s treatment plan will be different. However, you can always ask your practitioner about other patients’ experiences, to give you an idea of what to expect. Many people return to acupuncture again and again because they find it so beneficial and relaxing.

There are many health complaints that acupuncture can assist with, if you are reading this chances are you have spoken to someone or read an article which has led to you seeking out a practitioner. Please call on the above number (or email) for a ‘no obligation’ chat about what acupuncture can do for you.

Erik Pietzka is a full member of the British Acupuncture Council, the largest professional body of acupuncturists in the UK.

TREATMENT INFORMATION

What happens when I go for treatment?

Your acupuncturist will use a number of different diagnostic methods to get a complete picture of your health and lifestyle, including taking a full medical history, reading your pulses, and looking at your tongue. Based on this information, the acupuncturist makes a diagnosis and puts together your personal treatment plan. Acupuncture points are selected according to your symptoms as well as your underlying pattern. The single-use sterile needles come in sealed packs, and are safely disposed of after each treatment.

What does it feel like?

Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests. When the needle is inserted you may feel a tingling sensation or dull ache.

Is it safe?

The results of two independent surveys published in the British Medical Journal in 2001 (MacPherson et al, White et al, both BMJ September 2001) concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. The needles used are single-use, sterile, and disposable. Responses to treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness, and very occasionally minor bruising may occur. However, all such reactions are short-lived.

How many sessions will I need?

Frequency and number of sessions depend on your individual condition. Your acupuncturist will normally ask to see you once or twice a week at first. Improvement is usually felt within five or six treatments, although occasionally less treatment is sufficient. Some people choose to have regular acupuncture to maintain good health.

For the benefits of using a member of the British Acupuncture Council (“BAcC”) please see "Why use a BAcC member" at:

http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/index.php/acupuncture/safety-of-acupuncture/why-use-a-bacc-member.html