What is acupuncture?

At my clinic I practice western acupuncture. This is the practice of inserting sterile needles into the tissues in specific locations and can be carried out as a standalone treatment or as part of a wider range of physiotherapy treatments. Western acupuncture also uses the traditional meridian line acupuncture points as they are proven to stimulate the nervous system effectively but has adapted practice using current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. You may have also heard the term dry needling, which is the practice of inserting needles into muscle knots (also known as myofascial trigger points) and is a part of western acupuncture.

How does it work?

The insertion of the needle creates a local physiological response, suppression of nociceptive signalling at spinal and supraspinal levels, and peripheral/central release of endogenous opioids and other biochemical mediators. It acts mainly by stimulating the nervous system, and its known modes of action include local antidromic axon reflexes, segmental and extra segmental neuromodulation, and other central nervous system effects. This helps pain but also helps manage the pain drivers, such as inflammation.

What can it be used for?

Acupuncture can be used for musculoskeletal pain (pain coming from joints, ligaments and muscles), arthritic pain, headaches/migraine, nausea, referred pain. It can reduce the need for medications in chronic pain management.

What does the research say?

Acupuncture is now supported by a large evidence base, including neuroimaging. Clinical research has supported the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture for various pain disorders, including acupuncture as an integrative therapy with other pain interventions.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture is very safe in the hands of a trained professional. The needles are sterile and single use, therefore there is a very low risk of infection (as with any skin breaching intervention). Serious side effects are rare (less than one per 50,000) and usually due to lack of training of the acupuncturist.

What are the risks?

Fainting or drowsiness from lowering your blood pressure or blood sugar levels, causing you to feel faint or drowsy. It is advisable to have eaten within the 4 hours prior to attending your session and to stay well hydrated.

Bruising or bleeding, although needles are very fine and are not inserted very far into the skin, so any bruising/bleeding is minor and only happens occasionally.

Needles bending is rare due to strong muscle spasm and can make it uncomfortable when the needle is removed.

Temporary increase, in pain after treatment occurs in about 1% of cases.

Infection (very rare) We use pre-sterilised single-use needles and strict guidelines on hygiene to minimise the risk of infection.

Rashes (very rare) Some people have allergies to metals, so we always ask before starting treatment if this is the case. Some people may not be aware they have an allergy, and they may get a skin reaction.