A timeless approach to natural healthcare.
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture derives from a 3000 year old healthcare system now commonly known as Traditional Chinese Medicine. Very fine, single use, sterile needles are inserted at specific 'points' on areas of the body to address health complaints. Acupuncture is gaining increased popularity around the world as a treatment option to manage health and it is acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the NHS as a viable treatment option for certain conditions.
How does it work?
It isn't just about the needles; a classical acupuncturist intricately studies the theories of Chinese Medicine. This is a holistic system that views the body and mind as an interconnected whole; think about those headaches that come on when you are stressed, that IBS that flares up when you are anxious or the increasingly researched gut-brain connections.
A core concept of Chinese Medicine is the theory of 'Qi' (Chi), translated in modern times and commonly known as 'energy', arguably however, it has a much more convoluted and differentiated meaning. Fundamentally, Qi flows around the body through channels, also known as meridians which are additionally connected to organs (Zang Fu Organs). When Qi is out of balance, it can lead to discomfort or illness. This can be caused by many factors, including the environment that we live in, the foods we consume and the activities that we participate in daily. A traditional practitioner will determine an individual pattern diagnosis which corresponds to the individual selection of acupuncture points used.
As a traditional practitioner, this is how we have studied and how we still work but acupuncture has stood the test of time so we must be doing something right!
Although we still use terms such as yin and yang, modern understanding of the anatomy and physiological processes allows us to incorporate this knowledge alongside treatments - so we can work with the best of both worlds.
Scientific research into acupuncture has advanced significantly over the years, scans have shown changes in the brain and bodily functions with the use of acupuncture, suggesting that it may help stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Explanations of this process involve the influence on the the nervous system, improving blood flow, neurotransmitter release and modulation of the immune system. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, acupuncture is widely seen as a valuable addition to modern treatment options for those seeking holistic and non-invasive approaches to health.
If you would like to read more about the scientific evidence of acupuncture effects, we would recommend starting with www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org.
Acupuncture For Pain relief
Struggling with chronic pain thats affecting daily life?
Common acute and chronic pain conditions include:
Acupuncture offers a safe and natural alternative for pain relief. Increasingly supported by clinical research for the management of both acute and chronic pain; it has been shown to influence pain pathways through mechanisms such as endogenous opioid release, modulation of serotonin and norepinephrine, downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improved local microcirculation.
Back pain
Sciatica
Neck pain
Fibromyalgia
Arthritis
Neuralgia
Tennis Elbow
Knee pain
Post operative pain
Headaches and Migraines
Muscular tension
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Han JS. Acupuncture and endorphins. Neurosci Lett. 2004;361(1-3):258–261.
Vickers AJ et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(19):1444–1453.
Zhi J, et al. Mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia on inflammatory pain: a review. Neural Plast. 2021;2021:1–11.
A powerful and natural way to treat conditions, with a philosophy that lies at the heart of health preservation.
How Acupuncture Can Help You
Although acupuncture is widely recognised for its natural and effective approach to pain relief, its benefits extend far beyond this. Traditionally, acupuncture supports the body as a whole, using an interconnected framework that can address a broad range of health concerns. This holistic perspective is why acupuncture is sought for so many different conditions today.
We aim to be honest and open in all information given. All information above is taken from clinical research in acupuncture, if further information about these research papers is needed, please get in touch.
Sol Acupuncture is regulated by The British Acupuncture Council. To help provide you with further information on acupuncture and its benefits, they have compiled fact sheets providing accurate and unbiased information specific to certain conditions, including the latest scientific research. Alternatively, they have created the video below with further information on acupuncture.
Have a question?
You’ll find answers here to some of the questions we’re most often asked. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just reach out, we’re more than happy to chat things through.
'I was in severe pain from Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy, this took the form of attacking my left leg, my toes in particular, it was as though someone was drawing a knife blade across my toes.
I contacted Nicola out of desperation, I knew a little of acupuncture but like a lot of folk, I viewed it as purely fringe medicine and although I kept an open mind, I really thought it would not do me much good at all, WRONG! I have benefitted from Nicola's treatment, I have had four sessions and the pain has improved considerably, oh! I still get the odd night when I have to get up and walk. But the pain has diminished, not gone, but well bearable, Nicola knows what she is doing, she explains everything that you need to know and answers questions very fully and carefully so there are no doubts as to what treatment you will receive. Nicola is not afraid to experiment to find what suits you, because as I found out it is not just treating the ailment/complaint, she takes holistic approach and treats the body.
In short Nicola is very Professional, easy going pleasant and has a remarkable ability to put people at their ease.'
G.M-G. (google Reviews)
