What Is Acupuncture? Origins Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practised for over 2,500 years, having originated in China and other far Eastern cultures. Acupuncture is a gentle and effective treatment that focuses on helping the whole person, aiming to improve their overall health and wellbeing, and today it is widely used and accepted all over the world. The first acupuncture treatment During the first acupuncture treatment the practitioner will take a full medical case history, including past health background and details about the patient’s current condition. Once the patient is settled on the treatment couch, the practitioner will take their pulses on each wrist and look at their tongue. The practitioner will then make a diagnosis and put together a treatment plan which may include lifestyle and dietary advice as well as acupuncture. Combined techniques to achieve overall health and wellbeing As well as inserting fine needles just under the skin, a practitioner may also use other techniques, such as cupping, in which small glass cups are used to massage the skin and massage. Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment. How can acupuncture help me? A growing body of evidence-based clinical research shows that traditional acupuncture, as practised by British Acupuncture Council members, safely treats a wide range of common health problems including short-term relief of symptoms such as low back pain, [click here to view the BAcC research page], tension-type headaches and migraine-type headaches. It can also be used along with exercise and conventional medicine to help temporarily relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. In fact the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on best practice now recommend that GPs offer a course of ten sessions of acupuncture as a first-line treatment for persistent, non-specific low back pain. In September last year, NICE announced it also recognises acupuncture’s benefits for migraines and tension-type headaches.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 21:41:43 +0000
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