Medical Acupuncture also known as
Dry Needling

Acupuncture is a treatment derived from Ancient Chinese Medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes.

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How acupuncture works

Western medical acupuncture (dry needling) is the use of acupuncture following a medical diagnosis. It involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles.

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This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain relieving endorphins. It's likely that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture

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A course of acupuncture is usually recommended because it can take a few sessions for you to see improvements.

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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for treatments

Currently NICE recommends considering acupuncture as a treatment option for:

• Chronic pain

• chronic tension-type headaches

• migraines

• prostatitis symptoms

• hiccups

Often used to treat other conditions and symptoms, including:​

• Joint and muscle pain

• jaw pain

• cancer symptoms such as pain

• side effects of cancer treatment

• feeling sick or being sick

However there is still uncertainty in the evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture.​

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Electro - Acupuncture

​Like traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture uses needles placed in the same spots. Then, a small electrode is attached to the needles. A small amount of electricity runs through the electrode and gives a slight vibration or soft hum during treatment.

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The electrode gives off the effect of activating the acupuncture point, ensuring the right amount of stimulation.

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Electroacupuncture helps to block your pain by activating bioactive chemicals in your body. This process may decrease your sensitivity to the pain your feeling. Its also shown to help reduce inflammation in your body.

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When you get electroacupuncture, it activates your sympathetic nerve fibres. By activating these fibres, your body releases endogenous opioids such as endorphins, which help to reduce inflammation. The activated nerve fibres may help to reduce feelings of persistent pain. 

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Studies have also found that electroacupuncture may help your body release mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into your bloodstream. MSCs are adult stem cells mostly found in your bone marrow. MSCs help your body create different types of tissues. They also have healing properties.