Words: Lorna Jackson 1ST BSc (Hons) Acupuncture, MBAcC, AFN
Acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-fine single-use sterile needles into designated points on the body, which stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules, such as serotonin, which change the processing of pain in the brain and spinal cord. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
In the last 20 years there have been numerous studies that have shown that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of chronic pain, including back pain, osteoarthritis, or headache, knee pain, shoulder problems, chronic pelvic pain syndrome and tennis elbow.
Acupuncture helps in chronic pain conditions because the stimulation of certain acupuncture points affects areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress. The stimulation also promotes relaxation and the deactivation of the ‘analytical’ brain, which is responsible for anxiety. Research also shows that acupuncture helps to relieve chronic pain by reducing inflammation and muscle stiffness and joint mobility is improved by increasing local microcirculation, which aids the dispersal of swelling (BAcC, 2018).
At Health Point Clinic our goal is to reduce pain and improve function, so the person can resume day-to-day activities. It is always deeply satisfying to make a change to a patient’s level of pain and see some of the symptoms shift or clear up completely, which has such a huge impact on a person’s life. Supportive treatments available at the clinic include:
> Acupuncture
> Deep Tissue/Swedish massage
> Tuina – Chinese Medical massage
> Chinese Cupping massage
> Reflexology
healthpointclinic.co.uk
