(Western Medical) Acupuncture

Western Acupuncture in North London and Central London 

Western Acupuncture is a therapy which fuses traditional Eastern principles of acupuncture with a Western approach to medicine and science. Primarily known as a treatment which aims to relieve pain, the applications of Western Acupuncture have widened significantly as the practice has evolved.

Based in North London N2 and Central London W1, I qualified at a postgraduate level with The British Medical Acupuncture Society in both Western Acupuncture and related Electro-Acupuncture, offering both at my clinics. As a qualified Osteopath, I also combine Osteopathic treatment with acupuncture when relevant and assuming the patient is happy to do so.

 An introduction to Western Medical Acupuncture 

Also known as Western Medical Acupuncture or WMA, Western Acupuncture uses fine needles to target the trigger points associated with certain ailments to work towards a variety of objectives, from pain relief to helping with nausea and beyond.

The roots of Western Acupuncture can be found in traditional Chinese acupuncture, a therapy practiced there for thousands of years. Yet, while Chinese acupuncture applies principles such as those of qi and Yin versus Yang, Western Medical Acupuncture focuses on sensory stimulation or stimulation of the nervous system. Furthermore, the Western practice places less emphasis on targeting the specific points on the body which the classical approach has favoured and more on the methods and levels of pressure being applied.

In fact, while they may share several similarities, Western Acupuncture represents an evolution of its ancient counterpart and one which combines its principles with a scientific approach and modern medical knowledge. It has benefitted from an increasing body of research conducted over the past three decades which has provided empirical support for acupuncture.

It is perhaps these studies, combined with its basis in fields ranging from pathology to anatomy, which sees Western Acupuncture being used more and more by medical practitioners.

How can Western Acupuncture help you?

Traditionally seen as a pain relief therapy, Western Acupuncture is applied to a variety of ailments and for a range of purposes, including:

• Pain relief including musculoskeletal and postoperative pain
• Nausea
• Increasing physical movement
• Sleep issues
• Infertility
• Promoting natural healing and well-being
• Dealing with issues relating to medication, such as reducing reliance and managing side effects

One thing to emphasize however is that, unlike the traditional Chinese medical approach to acupuncture, Western Medical Acupuncture tends to target specific issues as opposed to aiming for general good health or as an overall way to ward off illness. If you’re considering using Western Acupuncture due to a specific issue or concern you have, I would be happy to discuss your requirements with you and to advise you on the best course of treatment.

 Western Acupuncture in practice

For those interested in pursuing a course of Western Acupuncture, one of the main queries is how it works in practice.

In line with its scientific approach, Western Medical Acupuncture usually begins with a conventional medical check looking at the client’s symptoms. Based on this examination, I work towards a diagnosis and to providing advice as to the best course of action.

The application of Western Acupuncture is not dissimilar to that of Chinese acupuncture. It involves the delicate application of fine needles to certain points on the body which are then gently stimulated, either manually or electrically. The points on which the needles are placed may be on the actual location of pain or discomfort or on more unexpected places. Indeed, many important points are found in the feet and hands.

Some things to bear in mind with Western Acupuncture are:

• The length of each treatment varies, ranging from a few moments up to half an hour.
• The therapy is a calm, soothing experience which the majority of clients find is virtually pain free.
• I use only sterilized, disposable needles, which are meticulously disposed of after each single use.

 Western Acupuncture: The Theory 

The development of Western Acupuncture has been based in large part on scientific exploration of the field of acupuncture. Over time, several theories have been expounded as to the effectiveness of acupuncture.

One longstanding principle is that the very insertion of needles into the body sends messages to the nervous system and brain via the release of natural chemicals. Known as the “neurohumoral mechanism”, this concept has played an important role in promoting understanding of acupuncture, but has now largely been superseded by a new approach, the “morphogenetic singularity” theory.

The name “morphogenetic singularity” – morphogenesis meaning embryo and singularity referring to singular points or centres within the body – offers a hint into the thinking behind the theory. It is based on the idea that from the very early stages of development, the human body forms a network of controlling points, which manage the body from brain to nervous system. By understanding and mapping these networks, acupuncture works to stimulate relevant points to promote the balance, with the aim of achieving certain desired effects.

 Western Acupuncture: The Research 

With more and more research being carried out in the field of acupuncture, there is a growing body of evidence helping to prove its efficacy. In fact, since the first empirical evidence of acupuncture as an effective form of pain relief some thirty years ago, an extensive number of reputable studies have been conducted, helping to quash past criticisms of a lack of medical evidence.

Furthermore, the question of a placebo effect has also largely been laid to rest. In particular, growing research proving the effects of even a light sensory touch in acupuncture is helping to disprove the notion of “sham acupuncture” which has caused the therapy to be discredited in the past.

For more information on Western Acupuncture or to book an initial consultation in one of my London clinics, please feel free to contact me.