Medical Acupuncture

What is it?

  • It is based on current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. Current research is supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture.
  • It is used to treat musculoskeletal pain and stimulate the healing mechanism of the body to assist the body deal with injuries and dysfunctions.
  • It also stimulates the release of natural pain killers produced naturally by the body and contribute to pain relief
  • The process involves the insertion of an acupuncture needle, which is sterile and is placed in specific areas of the body to treat specific dysfunctions.
  • In other instances, the acupuncture needle is placed in a trigger point and the process is then described as dry needling. A trigger point is basically known as a muscle knot that creates pain in other areas of the body.

Contact Sabine to find out which treatment will be most suitable for you or to find out more about her expertise.

Who is qualified to do western medical acupuncture?

  • It is taught to GPs, nurses, chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists and dentists.
  • Members of the British Medical Acupuncture Society are regulated healthcare professionals who practice acupuncture within the scope of their professional practice and have received a good training.

When should it not be used?

  • If you have needle phobia
  • If you have known metal allergy, specially stainless steel
  • If you have a known infection in the area needled

When should it be used with caution?

  • If you have haemophilia
  • If you are pregnant or trying to conceive
  • If you suffer from epilepsy
  • If you have a deficient/ weakened immune system
  • If you have a pacemaker
  • If you are taking anticoagulant (blood thinning medication)
  • If you are diabetic


    NB: These conditions do not exclude you from having acupuncture but they will influence its application.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but it does not work for all. Success can depend on a number of factors, which include:

  • General health
  • The severity and duration of the condition
  • How the condition has been managed in the past
  • Treatment will consist of the insertion of fine needles.
  • These are pre-sterilised and disposable ensuring strict hygiene practice.
  • The needle insertion will feel like a mild pinprick.
  • Once needles are placed you may feel a mild ache, a deep ache, numbness, warm or heavy sensation at and around the needle. This may feel strange but not unpleasant. It is a sign that the body’s inbuilt pain relieving mechanisms are being stimulated.
  • The needles may be gently stimulated until you experience such sensations. This may be repeated again throughout the treatment.
  • Most commonly a treatment will involve the insertion of between 2 to 16 needles.
  • Needles can be in place between 10 to 30 minutes.
  • It is advisable to eat before having acupuncture, and not to attend if you are suffering from severe cold or flu.
  • Registered osteopaths are fully trained in the management of a wide range of conditions.
  • Registered osteopaths who provide acupuncture and are members of the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) are required to train to a minimum standard and are also bound by professional codes of conduct through the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
  • Acupuncture is safer than many of the drug treatments used. However, any procedure that involves inserting needles into the body has some potential problems, but these remain minimal.
  • Acupuncture has been known to produce some “side effects” in certain people.
  • Some needle discomfort
  • Drowsiness and sleepiness flowing treatment
  • Bruising at the needle site
  • Temporary pain increase
  • Fainting
  • Feeling faint
  • Damage to internal organ from the insertion of a needle
  • Infection in the area where the needle was inserted
  • Infection from hepatitis or HIV
  • Infection which may infect previously damaged heart valves
  • Premature onset of labour, in pregnancy

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