Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine stainless steel needles into the skin, the needles are sterile, single use needles. The needles are the same width as a human hair.

Acupuncture should not be painful. When the needles are inserted, you may feel a temporary, sharp prickling sensation. During the treatment itself you may have a feeling of warmth, heaviness, pins and needles or a mild ache around the site of the needles. You may also feel a little light-headed or relaxed. It should not feel unpleasant. These are signs that your body is reacting to the acupuncture. Alternatively you may not feel the needles at all but they are still working.

Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin, its own pain and stress -relieving chemicals. It may promote sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin in the body and may encourage a sense of well-being by stimulating the release of serotonin. Acupuncture also stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals and helps reduce the sensitivity of tender points in the body.

Acupuncture can be used as a stand alone treatment or in combination with manual teachniques.