ANNA MCGHEE

Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or to relieve specific pains. Some use acupuncture because they feel generally unwell but have no obvious diagnosis or condition. Others choose acupuncture simply to enhance their wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies and children. It can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine. Traditional acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation which means that it can be effective for a range of conditions. As acupuncturists treat the person, not just the condition which they have, each patient’s treatment plan will be different.

However, you can always ask your practitioner about other patients’ experiences, to give you an idea of what to expect. Many people return to acupuncture again and again because they find it so beneficial and relaxing. In 2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended that acupuncture should be made available on the NHS, as a cost-effective short-term treatment for the management of early, persistent non-specific lower back pain. The acupuncturist will use a number of different methods to get a complete picture of your health and lifestyle, including taking a full medical history, reading your pulses, and looking at your tongue. Based on this information, the acupuncturist makes a diagnosis and puts together your personal treatment plan. Acupuncture points are selected according to your symptoms as well as your underlying energy pattern.

Single-use sterile needles are used which come in sealed packs and should be opened in front of you. They are safely disposed of after each treatment. The acupuncturist may apply warmth to supplement the action of the needles by using a Chinese herb called moxa, which is burnt on or near the acupuncture points. The procedure will be explained in full during your treatment session.