A Brief History and the Surprising Benefits of an Acupuncture Session

Acupuncture Session

Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into your skin at strategic points with the intention of treating pain, promoting wellbeing and managing stress. But where did acupuncture come from, and how has it become one of the most popular alternative treatments available in the UK?

This month, Physio Healing Hands take a look into the history of acupuncture and its benefits and just what it can do for your body when you have an acupuncture session with a qualified therapist. 

The Birthplace of Acupuncture and its Rise in Popularity

Both the theory and practice of acupuncture originated in China and dates back to before the common era (1600’s). Unbelievably, before the procedure involved needles, long, sharp bones for this treatment! The theory behind acupuncture is that energy flows within the human body, which can be used to promote health and restore balance. The energy flow is known as qi (chee). It is believed that qi flows throughout the body along 12 channels known as meridians. These points (along with 2000 other acupuncture points on the body) represent organs and functions within the body. The related organs and functions are supposed to improve by placing needles into these meridian points. 

Acupuncture was used continuously in China alongside other natural medicine, including diet, herbs and massage to promote health and wellbeing. Not until the 19th century did acupuncture develop in the UK. Today, you will find acupuncture practised by qualified physiotherapists. However, they adopt a slightly more westernised approach of promoting health and wellbeing by stimulating the nervous system using hair-thin needles.  

No longer an ‘alternative therapy, ‘ acupuncture has been scientifically proven to produce pain-relieving chemicals, including melatonin and serotonin, which can positively influence sleep and wellbeing feelings. Physiotherapists are the largest professional group offering acupuncture therapies using disposable needles. The largest client group using an acupuncture session for treatment is those living with musculoskeletal conditions. 

The Effects of an Acupuncture Session and the Conditions that may Benefit​

One of the things that initially put people off about acupuncture is the use of needles. There arent many of us who go out daily to be pricked with needles. However, due to the size of the needle and the care that your physiotherapist takes when inserting the needles, most people report feeling either minimal pain or no pain at all during the treatment. In fact, there have been reports from people to say that they have felt quite energised after an acupuncture session and relaxed during their time in the treatment.

The insertion of needles into specific acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system, which releases chemicals into the brain, spinal cord and muscles. These chemicals can then enable your body’s natural healing process and promote physical and emotional wellbeing. 

Conditions that may benefit from an acupuncture session:

  • Chronic pain
  • Arthritis
  • Digestive
  • Respiratory
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia 
  • Pregnancy-related conditions / postpartum

It is worth noting that your physiotherapist will give you more information on your particular condition when you have an initial consultation and that improvements in conditions vary for different people. Some patients see an improvement straight away, and for others, it can take a few sessions to see any difference. Acupuncture does not work for everyone, and together with your physiotherapist, you will be able to find the treatments that work for you and your condition. 

The Overall Benefits of having an Acupuncture Session

As with many treatments, the benefits of acupuncture will vary from patient to patient. However, we can see from various studies that overall improvements were made to several conditions. Acupuncture reduced the frequency of migraine symptoms in 41% of patients, and having up to 6 acupuncture sessions showed a marked improvement with tension headache sufferers. Those with osteoarthritis in the knee were found to have a pain decrease when using acupuncture. However, this was more of a short term solution to the condition. 

Acupuncture treatment can lead to an improved sleep pattern, positive feelings of wellbeing and an improved digestive system when used alongside a healthy lifestyle promoted by your physiotherapist. Acupuncture could be the perfect solution for those looking at ways to manage their conditions without the continued use of medications or in conjunction with prescribed medication. 

It’s important to remember that when you have your appointment with your physiotherapist, you will be asked about your health history, and a preliminary examination will be done. Once this has been completed, your physiotherapist will advise a correct course of treatment that is beneficial to you and your condition. 

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Physio Healing Hands is your Aylesbury Acupuncture Specialist​

Based in Duck Farm Court, Aylesbury, Physio Healing Hands are your qualified physiotherapists offering acupuncture sessions in our clinic. Whether you have had acupuncture in the past or you are entirely new to the treatment, we are here to support and guide you through finding the treatment that works for your condition. 

We are passionate about enabling our clients to live life to their full potential using specialised physiotherapy techniques. For more information about our services or to book a free initial consultation, give us a call today or use our online booking system to find a date that works for you and your schedule. We look forward to seeing you soon. 

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