Acupuncture by Jonathan Smith

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body for therapeutic or preventative reasons. It originated in China over 3,000 years ago and is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a variety of issues from morning sickness to fertility problems. In the Western Medical Model of acupuncture – the type practiced at NMC – acupuncture is used primarily for the treatment of pain.

How does it work?
The Chinese believe acupuncture is effective for the modulating effect it can have on the body’s natural energy, or Qi (Chee); imbalances in the harmony of this energy lead to medical problems and the correction of these imbalances through acupuncture can restore a body to health. Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s own natural pain-relieving mechanisms, releasing pain relieving hormones into the blood stream and reducing muscle tension. The needles remain in situ for 20-30 minutes and are stimulated to produce an ‘achy, heavy’ sensation known as De Qi.

Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is generally very safe, especially when performed by a trained physiotherapist. However, as acupuncture is technically an invasive intervention there is the risk of infection; when performed by a trained professional this risk is extremely low. Serious side effects are similarly extremely rare, however some people experience some transient symptoms of sleepiness, light headedness etc. during or after treatment.

Does acupuncture work in MD?
Yes! Acupuncture has been an available treatment at NMC through different professionals for a few years and has been effective in the treatment of a variety of issues related to pain. It is especially effective at reducing muscular pain related to chronic tension which is very commonly seen in MD and has the side effects of improving sleep and movement following treatment. Acupuncture can also be used alongside other therapies such as stretching and exercise to improve outcomes and is especially useful in the treatment of multiple sites of pain at the same time.

Jonathan Smith MRes MCSP, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Neuromuscular Centre T: 01606 861799 E: jonny.smith@nmcentre.com