What is Modern Medical Acupuncture?

Modern medical acupuncture is a method of treating certain musculoskeletal disorders by inserting needles into various parts of the body. The practioner uses scientific knowledge of modern anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to determine the problem and then how best to treat it. It can be used hand in hand with osteopathic treatment.

How does it work?

We cannot yet explain this in detail but we do have some clues.

In many cases the acupuncturist makes use of "trigger points". These are areas, usually in muscle, that hurt when pressed and cause pain to radiate to other places that may be some distance away from the trigger point. Needling the trigger point can relieve pain in these distant areas, although we do not know exactly how this happens.

Acupuncture can still work even when there are no trigger points. In such cases it probably acts by changing the ways in which the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is transmitting information about pain.

It is important to understand that acupuncture does have measurable effects on the body even though we can't explain them all in detail. You don't have to believe in it for it to work!

What to expect

Before treatment can take place a detailed case history is taken to better understand the problem and how best to tackle it. Then you will be asked to remove some clothing so that an examination may take place to ascertain exactly the cause of the problem. Once all this is done the appropriate treatment will be given with consent.

Acupuncture is essentially painless. Although some people may experience a slight pinch as the needle is inserted, many feel nothing at all. Once inserted, the needles remain in place for 30 seconds or even up to 30 minutes. Because modern acupuncture needles are disposable and used only once, there is no risk of transmitting infections from one person to another.

Like all forms of treatment people respond in differing ways; many people feel relaxed after treatment whilst others feel energetic.

How many treatments will it take?

Sometimes one treatment is enough but this is unusual. Most people require a course of roughly 3 to 6 treatments. At first you may be asked to come back after one or two weeks; as improvement occurs the intervals between treatments may be made longer.

Generally speaking, there should be at least some effect after two or three treatments. If nothing at all happens you are probably not going to respond to this form of treatment.