Acupuncture in Southend
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Acupuncture is a centuries-old system of healing involving the insertion of fine needles at selected points on the body.
Traditionally associated with Chinese Medicine, concepts of yin/yang, Qi and the meridians, medical acupuncture explains its action using evidence-based anatomy and neurophysiology. While diagnostics of the two systems are distinct, treatment intentions are the same: to address painful conditions and those affecting the internal environment.
Acupuncture promotes micro-circulation in the skin and muscles. It disrupts the transmission of pain at the level of the spinal cord and stimulates the brain to release endorphins and serotonin, the body's own natural painkillers and happy chemicals. Many patients report improvements in sleep and an increased sense of wellbeing.
Evidence supports the use of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain, low back pain, sciatica, pelvic girdle pain and pain arising from myofascial trigger points. It is effective in the treatment of neck and shoulder pain and in the prevention of tension headaches and migraines. Acupuncture shows promise in the treatment of rotator cuff dysfunction and tennis elbow; it has tangible benefits in arthritic conditions of the hip and knee and in tendinopathies of the upper and lower limbs.
Acupuncture modulates our emotional response to pain and is of particular benefit in managing the affective components of chronic pain and fibromyalgia. It’s sedating effects are useful in the treatment of anxiety and mental health conditions.
Internal dysfunctions show predictable patterns of pain referral on the body. Acupuncture takes advantage of this and stimulates reflex arcs that calm the smooth muscle spasms typical of such things as digestive and gynaecological complaints. Autonomic mechanisms also influence blood vessel diameter, permitting adequate nourishment of the organs for their contribution to general wellbeing.
The effects of acupuncture are well established for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy as well as postoperatively and during chemotherapy treatment. It may also influence the secretion of reproductive hormones, normalise the menstrual cycle and provide symptomatic relief for menopausal hot flushes. Acupuncture is used widely to support reproductive health and experimental data proposes functions in immunology. These might explain its benefits in respiratory disease and allergic complaints.
Acupuncture should not be significantly painful, although some patients report a dull ache or other needle sensation, particularly as they are advanced into the tissues. Patients may on occasion develop a small, round, raised bump at a needle site. This is a bruise under the skin and should go away on its own in a few days. Self massage or arnica may speed up the process.
All our needles are single-use and pre-sterilised. Once withdrawn they are safely disposed of in a sharps bin.
