PARKS THERAPY CENTRE

St. NEOTS, CAMBRIDGESHIRE - 01480 394715

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin in order to stimulate the body’s own ability to restore, promote and maintain good health. Acupuncture has a wealth of research based evidence to support its use within many conditions. The Chinese and other Eastern cultures have been using Acupuncture over thousands of years.

Acupuncture influences the physiology within the body as it attempts to re-balance systems that may have been subjected to pain or illness and enables a return to health and well-being by addressing both the symptoms and the underlying cause of illness. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, different parts of the body have connections between each other and the body also has unique way of communicating with the outside world such as regulating temperature, fluid balance and hormonal balance. The channels are thought to lie in connective tissue in the body called “meridians” and the energy force within the meridians is called Qi [pronounced "chee"]. Our health depends on the body's Qi moving in a smooth and balanced way in the meridians. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors which include: emotional states such as anxiety, anger, or grief; poor nutrition; hereditary factors; infections and trauma. When the Qi is imbalanced, illness may result. This can lead to the symptoms of disease or simply a sense of 'not feeling quite right'.

By stimulating the Acupuncture points on the body, changes in cell chemistry can occur and therefore mental health may be affected. Treatment is aimed at the root of the condition as well as the symptoms. This approach can lead to a more permanent resolution of problems.

Recent Research

Much recent research has shown that Acupuncture can alter the composition of many physiological processes in our body and certainly act as a pain killer which may lead to the alleviation of stress and improve mood.

How can Acupuncture help?

Clinical experience and research have shown that Acupuncture can be effective in the help of a wide range of conditions including:

• Pain
• Soft tissue injuries
• Central Nervous System disorders
• Digestive problems

Acupuncture has also been proved effective in helping with pregnancy management. Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both chronic and acute diseases.

Who has Acupuncture?

Many people come to Acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose Acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they just feel generally unwell. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies and children.

What happens during Treatment?

Patients are asked a wide range of questions about current symptoms, what treatments have been received, medical history, way of life, eating, sleeping and emotional state. In addition to these questions, a physical examination may also be appropriate. This may include abdominal palpation, blood pressure measurement and structural assessment.

The Acupuncturist is also likely to feel pulses on both wrists and ask to look at the tongue.

Helpful Advice for Treatment Sessions

• It is important to bring along details of any medication being taken [including the dosage]
• Please avoid wearing any perfume, aftershave, scented cosmetics or body sprays
• Please also avoid having an empty stomach and being dehydrated
• Try to make arrangements so that it's possible to relax fully after treatment - this gives maximum benefit from the treatment
• Occasionally, Acupuncture may cause tiredness or drowsiness for a few hours after treatment, so it's necessary to take care if driving home.

What does it feel like?

This is probably the most commonly asked question by people considering Acupuncture - and the hardest to answer! The most common description of being needled is a dull ache or a 'tingling' sensation, or somewhere in-between.

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Parks Therapy Centre - 86 Cambridge Street - St. Neots - Cambridgeshire - PE19 1PJ - Telephone 01480 394715 - E-Mail reception@parksphysiotherapy.co.uk