Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a centuries-old system of healing involving the insertion of fine needles at selected points on the body.  Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the philosophies of Taoism, there is growing clinical evidence to support treatment effects using knowledge from anatomy, physiology and neurology.

Acupuncture promotes micro-circulation in the skin and muscles; neural signals dilate the blood vessels to optimise the supply of nutrients to the tissues and organs.  It disrupts the transmission of pain at the level of the spinal cord and stimulates the brain to regulate hormones and neurotransmitters including dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin: the body's own natural painkillers and happy chemicals.

Medical Acupuncture thus bridges the gap between ancient tradition and modern science.  While the diagnostics and clinical reasoning are distinct, treatment intentions are the same: to promote overall-wellbeing by addressing painful conditions and those affecting the internal environment and psyche.

We offer Acupuncture as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with osteopathy or any of our massage therapies.

Book an appointment
Close up detail of hands doing acupuncture.

Chronic Pain and Mental Health

Acupuncture modulates our emotional response to pain, explaining its 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. Many patients report improvements in sleep and an increased sense of wellbeing after treatment.

Visceral Function

Internal dysfunctions show predictable patterns of pain referral on the body. Acupuncture takes advantage of shared neural pathways between the organs and the musculoskeletal system, stimulating reflex arcs that dampen aberrant information; it opens the blood vessels, enhancing organ nourishment and calming the smooth muscle spasms typical of such things as digestive complaints and period pain.

Nausea & Vomiting

The effects of acupuncture are well established for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy as well as postoperatively and during chemotherapy treatment.

Endocrine Effects

Acupuncture may also influence the secretion of reproductive hormones, normalise the menstrual cycle and provide symptomatic relief for menopausal hot flushes. It is used widely to support reproductive health.

Immune Function

Experimental data proposes functions in immunology. These might explain anecdotal benefits in respiratory disease and allergic complaints.

Electric acupuncture needles used by acupuncturist physiotherapist on patient in pain and injury treatment, close up macro photo.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

Evidence supports the use of acupuncture in musculoskeletal 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.

Jane holds a Certificate in Medical Acupuncture and is a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society.

  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Pelvic girdle pain
  • Arthritic conditions of the hip & knee
  • Neck & shoulder pain
  • Headache & migraine prevention
  • Myofascial trigger points
  • Tendinopathies of the upper & lower extremities
  • Rotator cuff dysfunction
  • Tennis elbow
  • Chronic pain & fibromyalgia
Statutory Regulation of Osteopathy
Your Consultation: what to expect
Back to Home Page