Lincs Chiropractic

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing which has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, the acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and restore its natural balance.

Who has Acupuncture?

Many people visit an Acupuncturist for help with specific symptoms or conditions including:

Research over many years has shown acupuncture's effectiveness in helping these and many other conditions.

Some people have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution or because they feel unwell in themselves without being 'ill' in the accepted sense. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture will vary from one person to another.

What will happen on my first visit?

Your first visit will undoubtedly be longer than your subsequent treatment visits because the acupuncturist will need to talk to you at length in order to identify the underlying patterns of disharmony and decide on the most effective treatment. This will include questions about your current symptoms, previous treatments received, medical history of yourself and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and your emotional state.

In order to discover how the energies are flowing in your body the acupuncturist will feel your pulses in both wrists in order to note their qualities and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health.

Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely cause of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint and which channels require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.

There are approximately 500 recognised acupuncture points on the body, of which approximately 100 are commonly used.

Certain points affect the functioning of certain organs in the body but these points may not be close to the part of the body where your symptoms appear e.g. to treat a headache, needles may be inserted into the hand or foot.

What does it feel like?

Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to those used injections and blood tests. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. The sensation felt is often described as a tingling or dull ache, when the needle hits the energy point.

Needles may be inserted for a second or two, or left in for up to twenty minutes, depending on the energy response required.

Patients may experience a pleasant feeling of relaxation during treatment and some may report feelings of increased energy levels and vitality immediately after treatment.

The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep, as well as an enhanced sense of well being.

How often will I need treatment?

In traditional acupuncture philosophy each person is considered as unique and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Initially, you would be recommended to visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week, however some conditions may need less frequent treatment. In some cases the treatment can be effective with just two or three visits. With other patients, the effects are more subtle and they may need treatment over several months.