Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Welcome to www.medimatters.co.uk for all your local complementary and alternative health Acupuncture needs in Brighton, Hove and Sussex. Email info@medimatters.co.uk Call 07854 187412

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine originating two, or more, thousand years ago. (This can be called TCM ).

Acupuncture is based on the belief that the human body is controlled by a life force called Qi. This flows between the organs of the body, along pathways called meridians and channels.

Illness may result if these pathways become blocked or unbalanced. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians where fine solid needles are inserted in selected places in the body to unblock or alter the flow of Qi.
 

What is dry needling?

Modern Western medicine reinterprets the traditional ways and is based on the modern understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology, not meridians and channels. This form of acupuncture is called 'dry needling'.

Dry needling is a discrete treatment system used often in conjunction with other treatments such as osteopathy and chiropractic.
 

Who practices Acupuncture?

There are about 3,000 acupuncture practitioners in the UK, including doctors, dentists and physiotherapists.

Reports dated 2005 indicate that approximately one million NHS acupuncture treatments and some two million private treatments take place in England each year.
 

Why use Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is commonly used in the treatment of pain, relieving common symptoms and promoting general health and well-being.

Scientific evidence indicates that acupuncture can be effective for pain relief with arthritic conditions, as well as back pain. It is also used in many conditions such as migraine, sports injuries and menstrual period pain.
 

Where is Acupuncture carried out?

Acupuncture is widely available throughout the UK, in selected hospitals, some GP surgeries, established independent practitioners, health clubs.
 

Are Acupuncturists Doctors?

In the UK anyone can call themselves doctor or acupuncturist and can start advertising and practising acupuncture immediately.

Acupuncture, Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine are the next 'big' three complementary and alternative medicines that are likely to be regulated by English Law, being considered by Government.
 

So are there any professional bodies taking care of Acupuncture patient interest?

The British Acupuncture Council will accredit the institutions carrying out acupuncture and provide training standards for their students to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. Their members are covered for practitioners' public/products liability and medical malpractice.

The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) is a nationwide group of family doctors and hospital/medical specialists who practice acupuncture alongside more traditional Western medicine. Their members, in addition to their regulation with the General Medical Council are subject to BMAS Code of Practice.
 

How do I find a practitioner?

Your family doctor, the local Primary Care organisation or Local Health Authority may be able to inform you of your local Doctor.

The BMAS operate an online 'Find A Practitioner' Section. The British Acupuncture Council operate a search directory.

Check our links above for your online searching.

'Family and Friend' referrals can also be one of the best ways of finding an acupuncturist that may suit you - ask around.
 

Are Acupuncture treatments available on the NHS?

Check with your GP for possibilities of a referral to a local acupuncturist and/or your Primary Care Group (PCG) or Primary Care Trust (PCT).
 

What happens at a treatment?

The first treatment may take longer as the acupuncturist will take notes about your general health and state of affairs. They will ask about any medication that is being taken and take your pulse and blood pressure too.
Initial visits can take up to 2 hours, subsequent treatments may take between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

Practitioners like their patients to avoid a heavy meal before an appointment and to avoid drinking particularly alcohol and coffee being drinks that colour your tongue as your tongue is examined for its colour.
 

Do I have to undress?

Generally no, as the treatment is confined to arms, legs, neck etc. However, some treatments do require needles to be placed in the torso, then undressing may be required or lifting of some clothing. Wear suitable baggy clothing.
You may be left for up to 20 minutes or so whilst relaxing on a treatment couch once the acupuncture filaments have been carefully positioned.
 

How much do Acupuncture treatments cost?

There are no fixed rates. Costs vary between practitioners and locations. Check with several practitioners beforehand, and you will ascertain an average local rate. However, cancelling an appointment may result in a charge for the broken appointment.

Some Acupuncture clinics provide low cost treatments by providing ‘drop-in’ sessions where appointments aren’t necessary and you will be seen on a first come first serve basis.
 

How many treatments will be needed?

Generally, a course may be required, but usually there should be an improvement noticed in your condition after 4 – 6 acupuncture treatments.
 

Does it hurt?

Most patients describe the experience as feeling some initial tingling when needles are inserted.
 

Are the needles sterilised?

Practitioners use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of after each treatment. Needles vary in size according to the locations they are inserted around the body. Larger needles used in buttocks for example, smaller in the nape of the neck.
 

Is Acupuncture insured by the major health providers insurance plans?

Like a number of other complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), acupuncture is generally listed by the major health insurance providers. Check out the policy and its terms and conditions with regard to making any kind of claim before undertaking treatments.