What is
Classical Acupuncture?
Classical acupuncture is based on East Asian medicine principles
that have been researched and refined over 2000 years. It involves the
insertion of very fine sterile needles into specific points on the body.
In far Eastern cultures it
still features in mainstream healthcare, both as a stand-alone therapy and in combination
with “conventional” medicine.
Emma
generally uses very few acupuncture needles, and usually only on one side of
the body.
Does it work?
Yes although Emma has to admit that she’s biased! But Emma has seen
first-hand how just through the use of a small number of needles, the health of
her patients has improved… and in some cases where conventional medicine has
struggled.
Classical acupuncture is designed to help support the body,
irrespective of the “conventional” medicine diagnosis. Every symptom has meaning
and whilst a lot of people have acupuncture for a specific condition, (such as
back ache, headaches, tennis elbow, anxiety, insomnia, infertility), some have
acupuncture when they have no specific reason.
Many people feel deeply relaxed during the treatment – which is an added benefit.
Emma will not waste your time – if she does not think that continued treatment will help then she will say so. However in Emma’s experience the majority of her patients gain improved health and well being from just a few treatments.
How does it
work?
From the East Asian medicine perspective inserting a small number
of needles helps unblock and regulate the flow of “qi” (vital energy) around
the body.
From the more “conventional” viewpoint various theories have
been proposed to help explain the mechanisms behind acupuncture. Various
theories have been proposed and researched, including the ideas that the
needles stimulate the body’s fascia connective tissue, and that the needles
stimulate the nerves causing the body to release natural painkiller such as
serotonin and endorphin.
A lot of Emma’s patients however don’t care too much as to how
it works, they just want it to work and relieve their symptoms!
Acupuncture
Safety
Emma only ever uses sterile, pre-packaged, single-use disposable
needles. Emma is licensed by Barnsley Council and regulated by the British
Acupuncture Council.
Emma uses a small number of very fine needles, and combined with
a gentle needle technique many of her patients seem to fall asleep!
Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including
children. It can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine, or other
alternative therapies such as osteopathy, chiropractic and homeopathy.
What to wear
No special clothes are needed, although it is helpful if trouser
legs are loose fitting, so they can easily be rolled up to the knees. Where
appropriate, you may be asked to remove clothing to help Emma to access certain
acupuncture points. Acupuncture does not require you to fully disrobe as there
are lots of different points that can be used. Often the location of the points
that Emma will use are not necessarily close to where symptoms are felt.
After a
treatment
In order to receive maximum benefit from acupuncture it is advisable to have a quiet day (as far as is practically possible!), to avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise.
Why not give Emma a
call or drop her an email to see if acupuncture can help you?