What is Medical Acupuncture?

Medical or Western Acupuncture can also known as Dry Needling is a western adaptation of traditional Chinese acupuncture.

It is practiced mainly by osteopaths, doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors and uses a more select range of acupuncture techniques on the basis of a western medical diagnosis and evidence based research.

Jason our Osteopath has completed a foundation Course in Acupuncture with the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS).

Dry Needling is based on anatomy, physiology and western scientific findings and is often used in conjunction with other therapies such as Osteopathy. Most acupuncturists that practice western acupuncture have some sort of medical qualification and have studied it as a post graduate qualification.

How does Western Acupuncture work?

Several processes have been proposed to explain how Medical acupuncture works to relieve pain. Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.

These chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other chemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body’s self-regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

What Does Western Acupuncture Feel Like?

Acupuncture needles are nothing like those used for injections and blood tests. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.

Needles are normally left in place anywhere from 1- 30 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.