Tag Archive for: western acupuncture

Western Acupuncture in London

As many of my patients already know, I frequently combine osteopathy with one or more other therapies, such as Western acupuncture, when seeking the best treatment outcome for a patient.

Acupuncture has been used in the Far East for over 2000 years, reaching the West during the 17th century. The medical profession now increasingly recognise and use it as an effective form of pain relief. One or more fine needles are inserted through the skin into specific points within the body and left in position for a short while. These can be manipulated by hand or via low-voltage electrical stimulation (known as electro acupuncture). Basically, acupuncture stimulates nerves within the skin and muscle. It releases endorphin and serotonin – the body’s own painkillers – into the pain pathways of the spinal cord and the brain. In this way it modifies how pain signals are received.

Eastern vs Western Acupuncture

In my practice we use Western acupuncture, also known as dry needling. This version of the therapy combines the use of the same acupuncture points and needles as Eastern (Chinese) acupuncture with a Western approach to evidence-based medicine and the latest scientific knowledge.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture seeks to balance opposites – yin and yang, hot and cold etc and facilitate the flow of the life force Qi – in the pursuit of general good health or to ward off illness. In contrast, Western acupuncture uses a ‘neuro-physiological’ approach to target specific issues.

How acupuncture can help you

In recent years, a growing body of research as reviewed by the Acupuncture Evidence Project* has shown that acupuncture can help by:

* Providing pain relief for tension headaches/migraine, TMJ, back, neck, shoulder, leg and knee pain and discomfort resulting from arthritis, rheumatism and operations

* Relieving trapped nerves, muscle strains, sports injuries and generally increasing the range of physical movement

* Reducing reliance on and side effects of medication

* Relieving nausea, including morning sickness in pregnancy

* Helping with infertility

* Dealing with sleep problems

* Promoting natural healing and well-being

Benefits of Western Acupuncture

The therapy offers several hugely important benefits, as it is:

* Largely (although not always) pain free, with a minimal risk of bruising or bleeding

* An effective painkiller, stimulating the release of the body’s own natural analgesics

* Safe, including during pregnancy – The British Medical Association has undertaken several studies regarding its safety

* Able to combine safely with osteopathy, and patients can usually benefit from both therapies during the same session

How I treat patients using Western Acupuncture

Once I have assessed a patient and I feel that acupuncture may benefit them, we discuss what it involves. Assuming they are happy we then agree a treatment plan. Initially, treatment might take place once a week to begin with, then at longer intervals as the patient feels better.

In the UK acupuncture is taught at post-graduate level to those with existing medical qualifications. I studied with The British Medical Acupuncture Society, qualifying in both Western acupuncture and related Electro-Acupuncture, offering both at my clinics. For more information on Western acupuncture or to book a consultation in one of my London clinics, please feel free to contact me.

*John McDonald and Stephen Janz, The Acupuncture Evidence Project, 2017

Western Medical Acupuncture is just one technique used by London Osteopath Robin Kiashek.

In this short video, Robin explains what this type of acupuncture is.

For more information on acupuncture please click here.

Research in the field of acupuncture continues on a daily basis. With this research comes a growing body of evidence that helps support the efficacy of acupuncture and to quash past criticism of a lack of medical evidence to support it being an effective form of pain relief.

As a qualified practitioner of Western Acupuncture in London I keep abreast of the latest results from research studies into acupuncture. One such study * has shed light on the fact that acupuncture enhances peripheral blood flow. The study was designed to clarify the mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its effective actions.

During the study, the researchers measured the ability of acupuncture to induce “significant elevations in peripheral blood flow over the upper and lower limbs during and after acupuncture”. Based on their findings, they concluded that “the results of this study support the theory of Chinese medicine that acupuncture at Zusanli augments systemic gastrointestinal and circulatory functions.”

You can read more about the study and the conclusion of the researchers here.

Visit an experienced London Osteopath in W1 and N2 N10 who offers Western Medical Acupuncture

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. Please feel free to send me a message or call me on 020 8815 0979.

*Reference:
Yang, Cheng-Chan, Wei-You Zhuang, and Hsien-Tsai Wu. “Assessment of the impact of acupuncture on peripheral blood flow with multi-channel photoplethysmography.” In Electron Devices and Solid-State Circuits (EDSSC), 2014 IEEE International Conference on, pp. 1-2. IEEE, 2014.

In addition to being a registered London osteopath I am qualified at a postgraduate level with the British Medical Acupuncture Society in both Western Acupuncture and related Electro-Acupuncture.

Western Medical Acupuncture offered at my osteopathy clinics in London W1 and N2 N10

I offer Western Medical Acupuncture at both of my clinics in London. I also combine the Osteopathic treatment I provide with acupuncture when relevant and assuming the patient is happy to do so.

How can Western Acupuncture help you?

Western Acupuncture has traditionally been seen as a pain relief therapy; however, it can be applied to a number of ailments and for many purposes. These include:
• 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

Visit an experienced London Osteopath in W1 and N2 N10 who offers Western Medical Acupuncture

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.

Please feel free to send me a message or call me on 020 8815 0979.