Boston Clinic (UK) Ltd.
Acupuncture
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A Short History of Acupuncture
The Chinese and other Eastern peoples have been using acupuncture to restore, promote and maintain good health for about 2,500 years. The first medical account of acupuncture was "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine" which dates from about 300 BC. Acupuncture is rooted in the Daoist philosophy of change, growth, balance and harmony, and this text outlines the principles of natural law and the movements of life - yin and yang, the Five Elements, the organ system and the meridian network along which acupuncture points are located.
Today acupuncture is used far more extensively in China than in the West, in a hospital-based system with facilities for treating acute as well as chronic cases. The national policy is to pursue both systems side by side, with extensive clinical research.
There has been a steady increase in the number of professionally trained practitioners in the UK, from just a handful of qualified acupuncturists in the 1970's to over 2500 registered with The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) by the year 2004.
What will happen on my first visit?
Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. The acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.
You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength.
The structure, color and coating of your tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health. Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment.
The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn, and you should be aware that the acupuncturist may need to access points on your torso as well as on your arms and legs.
Stimulation of specific areas on or beneath the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.
There are around 500 such acupuncture points on the body, and a properly trained and experienced acupuncturist will use a selection of perhaps ten or twelve of these for each treatment. It is quite usual that, during a course of treatment, different points will be selected as the patient’s condition changes. Massage, or tapping with a rounded probe, are techniques particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.
What does it feel like?
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Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or may be left in place for 30 minutes or more, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.
What should I do before the treatment?
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Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. Also avoid alcohol and food or drinks which color your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment.
How I will feel after acupuncture?
Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong or there may be a short term flair up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture can be effective in treating many health problems.
Cardiovascular
High Blood Pressure, Palpitations.
Mental/Emotional
Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Panic Attacks.
Digestive
Diarrhoea Gastritis, Diabetes, Colitis, IBS, Nausea, Vomiting, Indigestion, Haemorrhoids.
Skin
Acne, Eczema, Herpes, Shingles.
Muscular/Skeletal
Arthritis, Backache, Sprain, Sciatica, Lumbago, Golfers Elbow, Injury, Stroke, Palsy, Joint Problems, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Stiff Neck.
Genito-Urinary/Reproductive
Irregular Periods, Painful Periods, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Menopause Symptoms, Bed Wetting, Urethritis, Urinary Problems, Hot Flushes, Vaginitis.
Neurological
Headache, Migraine, Insomnia, Epilepsy, ME, Paralysis.
Ear Nose Throat
Hay fever, Tinnitus, Sore Throat, Earache, Sinus Infection.
Infections
Colds and Flu, Bronchitis.
Other
Weight Loss, Quitting Smoking, Asthma, Ulcers, Insomnia, Dizziness, Fatigue, Hiccup, Weakness.
Should I tell my doctor?
If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies between patients. Certainly a course of treatment is required, one off miracle cures are unusual! Some changes either in yourself generally, or in your condition directly should be noticed after 4 - 6 treatments.
Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?
Yes, at least until careful discussion is had with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment - because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer, and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling.
What about the needles used?
We use only sterile needles, which are disposed after each treatment. British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) members observe the Code of Safe Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for other equipment.