Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used in China for more than 2500 years. It is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which involves the insertion of very fine disposable needles into specific points on the body to “re-balance” the flow of the body’s energy. Energy is called “QI” pronounced ‘Chi’ in TCM and it flows through pathways called channels or meridians. It should flow in a free, unobstructed way around the body - much like your blood should move freely. If it does not - if there is a blockage - then illness may result.

The body is like a machine and can adapt to a lot of stress and poor conditions - but only for so long. Disease is likely to result if any warnings are ignored. The acupuncturist, by stimulating needles in certain ways can help get the QI moving again and promote a healthy environment within the body. The overriding aim is to restore balance.Acupuncture should not be a painful treatment.

Often people are surprised when they release the needles that have been put in. They are usually left for about 20 minutes during which time the patient has time to relax. The acupuncturist may stimulate the needles manually or with slight electric current to ensure that the correct effect is achieved. Balance and normal function of the body’s systems is the aim of the treatment.

Acupuncture dates back around 2,500 years. It is a safe and effective natural therapy used throughout the world to provide pain relief for many physical conditions, including headaches, migraine, menstrual cramps, back pain and sports injuries. It also helps in treating issues such as anxiety, insomnia, poor digestion, infertility and many other problems, including weight control.

In acupuncture there are 12 main meridians that encompass the whole body, giving a total of 365 acupoints. The 12 meridians correspond to the 12 months of the year, and the 365 acupoints correspond to the number of days in a year. Fine needles are inserted into the acupoints to activate the Qi. During acupuncture treatment the patient usually feels a dull sensation around the needle, but some acupoints react differently to others.

What needles are used?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to the needles used in injections and blood tests. They are much finer, single-use, sterilised and disposable. Both of the acupuncturists practising at Life Story understand that some people might be nervous about having acupuncture. They therefore use the finest quality, Japanese-style acupuncture needles, to ensure smooth insertion with minimal discomfort.

Not all acupuncturists use these superior needles. The ones used by April and Attilio are the very best available. They undergo eight stringent quality controls during manufacture and are electrolyte-cleaned and sterilized with EO gas. Each needle comes in an individual blister pack and once used, is disposed of into a sharps box, which is later incinerated. As a result, we’re sure you will find their acupuncture more relaxing and more beneficial.  

Abdominal acupuncture (Fu Zhen)

Abdominal acupuncture is a new form of treatment that is only 30 years old. That's very new in the 3,000-year history of Chinese medicine. But although abdominal acupuncture is new, it is based on the ancient ideals of Chinese medicine. It has shown to be effective in a wide range of chronic disorders, such as post-stroke patients. Needles are placed only on the abdomen.

FAQs

Q: Where did acupuncture originate?

A: Acupuncture has been used in the Far East to restore, promote and maintain good health for over 2,500 years. The first needles were made from stone, and then later from bronze, gold and silver. The first medical text of acupuncture was ‘The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine’, which dates from around 300 BC.

Q: How does it work?

A: According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. The flow of qi can be disturbed by many factors, physical, mental and emotional: anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma. By inserting fine needles in specific points along the channels, April or Attilio can stimulate the body's own healing response and help to restore its natural balance.

 

Q: Why is the tongue and pulse important?

A: To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, April or Attilio will feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also provides a guide to your physical health. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.

Q: What to expect

A: Your first consultation takes longer than subsequent sessions. This is because April or Attilio needs to assess your general state of health in order to identify the underlying patterns of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.

You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, Attilio D'Alberto can select the most appropriate treatment.

Q: What does it feel like?

A: Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to the needles used in injections and blood tests. They are much finer and solid, not hollow. When a needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are inserted and left in place for thirty minutes or more, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. 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, as well as better appetite and sleep, and an enhanced sense of overall wellbeing.

Q: What about the needles used?

A: April or Attilio D'Alberto only use single-use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of immediately after use. April or Attilio follow stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation.

Q: Is it safe?

A: There have been three surveys in the last six years which have shown that acupuncture is amongst the safest therapies in use in the UK today. Out of 68,000 recorded treatments in two of the 2001 surveys, there were only 14 minor (bruising, feeling nauseous) adverse events. There have been very few reports of serious adverse events, and most adverse effects are transient, lasting no more than a day or so.

Q: What should I do before treatment?

A: You should try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. You should also avoid alcohol, and food or drinks which colour your tongue, such as coffee, immediately prior to treatment.

Q: How will I feel after acupuncture?

A: You may feel rather relaxed and calm. If the treatment has been particularly strong you could feel quite tired or drowsy for a few hours, and you should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use machinery. Occasionally there may be a short-term flair-up of your symptoms as your qi clears and resettles itself.

Q: Should I tell my doctor?

A: If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it is sensible to mention that you plan to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. Your acupuncturist needs to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Q: Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?

A: Yes, at least until you have discussed this with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of Attilio D'Alberto because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment, because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.

Q: What can acupuncture do for me?

A: This depends on whether you have specific symptoms or whether you wish to use acupuncture as a method of health maintenance. You should contact April or Attilio  who will discuss your condition and answer specific questions.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: This varies between patients. Most people have a course of treatment and usually notice changes after four to six sessions. April or Attilio will review your progress with you, and carefully monitor your treatment to ensure that it matches your needs.

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Disclaimer
All content within is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.LSCT is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the LSCT website.Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
Source information
Price List details Getting to the point More information from Attilio British Acupuncture Council website