ACUPUNCTURE

>>>

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing art developed over the last 4,000 years, predominantly in China. Working on the body’s vital energy flow, very fine needles are inserted into acupuncture points so that the body’s healing response is stimulated to restore it to its natural state of balance.

Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle, and can produce a variety of effects. We know that it increases the body’s release of natural painkillers – endorphin and serotonin – in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received. Acupuncture treats the whole person, rather than symptoms in isolation, working to improve overall well being through helping to recover equilibrium between mind, body and spirit.

What does it feel like?
Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used in blood tests and injections. They are much finer and are much less painful. When a fine needle is inserted a slight prick may be felt or nothing at all. A tingling or heavy sensation is often felt when the acupuncture point is reached. The number of needles varies greatly but may be only two or three. While the needles are in place (usually 20 minutes or more) a feeling of pleasant relaxation is often experienced.

What can acupuncture help?
Stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanism; it is effective for a variety of conditions including:

• Headache and migraine
• Pain from arthritic joints
• Whiplash
• Back pain, sciatica
• Joint and muscle pain and spasm
• Acute sporting injuries
• Chronic postural problems
• Neck pain

What does treatment involve?
At the initial consultation, we take a full history and diagnose both the underlying problem/s and the likelihood of acupuncture to alleviate the symptoms. Each patient’s case is assessed by the practitioner and treatment is tailored to the individual. Treatment might be once a week at the start, then at longer intervals as the condition responds. The length of a course will vary with the nature and duration of the problem, individual constitution and response to acupuncture. A typical course may involve 5-8 treatments, after which a review is conducted. Longstanding conditions may take longer to improve, while more recent conditions tend to respond more quickly.

Professional standards and safety
Our physiotherapists who use acupuncture are fully qualified members of the Physiotherapy Acupuncture Association (AACP). All needles are pre-sterilised and disposable.

  
The Partnership Centre
10 Highpoint Business Village
Henwood
Ashford
Kent TN24 8DH
 
Telephone: 01233 611776
Email: thepartnershipcentre@googlemail.com

Physiotherapy:
Mon-Fri: 08:00 to 19:00 (last appointment)

Physiotherapy – Women’s Health:
Mon / Wed / Thu: 09:30 to 17:00

Massage Therapy:
Thu / Fri: 09:00 to 17:00

Pilates:
See timetable on ‘Pilates’ page