Drug free pain control and more

Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural healing, reduce pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. It involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin and tissue at specific parts of the body.

Only single-use, sterile, disposable needles are used in the clinic.

What conditions may be treated?

The following conditions are the examples that could be treated by acupuncture.

Muscular / joints
Neck, Shoulders, Back & Knee pain, Sciatica, Muscle strain, Arthritis, Sport injuries.

Stress / mental
Anxiety, Depression, Palpitation, Headache, Migraine, Fatigue, Insomnia.

Digestive
Diarrhoea, IBS, Bloating, Constipation, Nausea, Gastritis.

Gynaecological
PMS, Painful period, Endometriosis, Menopausal symptoms.

Ear / Nose/ Throat
Earache, Tinnitus, Sinusitis, Asthma

What Benefits can be expected?
Immediate benefit-relaxation, feeling of well being.
Acute problem (e.g. muscle strain) may take just one or 2 sessions.
Chronic conditions usually take minimum of 5-6 weekly sessions.
Benefits may initially last for a few days, but after repeated sessions they can become more long lasting. Regular maintenance sessions (e.g. every 4 weeks) will be beneficial.

How does it work?

1.   The stimulus transmitted to the spinal cord
2.   Reflex to muscles (⇒ releases tension)
Reflex to Blood vessels (⇒ dilates to increase blood flow)
3.   The stimulus further transmitted to the brain
Reflex to hormones & autonomic nerves
(⇒releases pain-relieving endorphin & other chemicals to promote healing)
 

The theory behind acupuncture is that healthy functioning of the body is governed by flow of ‘Qi’ (often translated as ‘energy’) through a system channels (meridians) under the skin. When this flow of Qi is impaired, illness occurs. The Qi flow can be disrupted in many ways: emotional stress, physical trauma, poor diet and overwork are all common examples.

By inserting fine needles at various points along the channels, the body’s balance can be restored.

It increases blood follow and the circulation of endorphins-the body’s natural pain relievers, promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin, flexible and compared to the size of human hair. You may feel a small prick when the needle is inserted, but most feel only minimal discomfort. Once the needles are in place there should be no significant discomfort and most people feel deeply relaxed which can continue after they are removed.

Acupuncture treatments available at Naoko’s therapy room in Thames Ditton.