ACUPRESSURE IN CREWE: EXPERIENCE HOLISTIC WELL-BEING

A. The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Almost every first-time acupuncture patient has some trepidation before the first visit. However, once the first needle has been inserted, it becomes very clear that an acupuncture needle has little in common with the nightmarish needles from our memories of childhood visits to the doctor. An acupuncture needle is a fraction of the thickness of a hypodermic needle. Common sensations from an acupuncture needle may include a mild temporary heaviness or soreness, slight tingling, warmth, moderate pulsations, or no sensation at all. If there is an initial sensation, it dissipates very quickly. Because the needles are about the thinness of hair, insertion is often hardly felt at all. There may be an intermittent sharpness or a dull twinge, but these feelings are only momentary and far less unpleasant than a Western (needle) injection. The needles are not inserted deep into the skin. When considering acupuncture, my patients often tell me they were most apprehensive about the needles. They were reassured to learn that the needles are FDA-approved as medical devices and are individually wrapped, totally sterile, and disposed of after one use. Those patients also discovered that the treatment was virtually painless because acupuncture needles are extremely thin and flexible — approximately 16 acupuncture needles together equal the thickness of a pin. Most importantly, my patients come to realize that the needles are simply tools to help them move through the process of healing and balance. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Single-use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal.

A. Once the needles have been placed, you might feel a dull ache or a tingling sensation which indicates that the point has been accurately located, and only lasts for a second or two. Some people even fall asleep. These are normal responses. Some people say they feel very relaxed when they are having a treatment, others don’t feel much at all. Even if you don’t feel much you are benefiting from treatment.

A. Treatments are between 20 minutes and 1 hour long. The first treatment may be up to 1 hour but in this time, we will take a full history spend time getting to know you and give you time to ask questions you may have. After treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a heightened sense of well-being.

A. A better question would be “How many treatments will be necessary until I know if the treatments are helping?” The answer to this depends on a number of factors, including the severity and duration of the problem, as well as its complexity. An issue that has been troublesome for many years tends to require more treatments than a recent problem. Initial improvements for long-standing problems may be more temporary. As treatments progress further, improvements become more sustained.

A. Chronic and acute pain, numbness or weakness, arthritic conditions, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, Bell’s Palsy, bursitis, tendonitis, trigeminal neuralgia, sprains, sports injuries, post-stroke recovery. Chronic fatigue, auto-immune diseases, post-surgical recovery, issues related to aging. Menstrual irregularities: PMS, painful periods, menopausal symptoms, infertility, amenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, morning sickness, vaginitis. Respiratory problems: chronic or acute cough, wheezing, frequent infections, allergies, colds, flu, hay fever, sinus problems, post-nasal drip, ear infections, acute or chronic sore throats. Digestive problems: irritable bowel, symptoms of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, chronic indigestion, acid reflux, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, ulcers, problems with blood sugar regulation. Emotional: anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic tension and stress, and addictions. Genito-urinary: chronic yeast infections, cystitis, urinary urgency, impotence, incontinence. Circulatory: anaemia, cold extremities, hypertension, Reynaud’s phenomenon. Paediatric: chronic infections of the ear, sinuses or throat, wheezing, bedwetting, cough, failure to thrive, migraines, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, trouble sleeping, learning difficulties, allergies.

A. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treat individual people rather than isolated symptoms; therefore, any condition that can be understood as an imbalance in the body’s systems can be treated and altered. Once a pattern is correctly identified and treated, it is common for many of the symptoms associated with this pattern to improve—even ones that didn’t seem related to the initial condition.

A. Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can help relieve many pregnancy and postpartum conditions. Because there are some acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy it is important to inform the practitioner if you are pregnant. We highly recommend acupuncture during your first trimester to help assist embryo development, prevent miscarriage, and address any other symptoms that may arise.

It depends on the conditions for which you take the medicines. If the medicines are taken as needed to control symptoms, then as these symptoms decrease with your acupuncture & herbal treatment, you will need less and less prescription medication. If you are on a regular regime of medicine for potentially serious medical problems, reducing these medicines may be advised in some cases, but only with the full cooperation and guidance of your medical doctor.