Testimonials

Are there any side effects of acupuncture?

According to the British Pain Society, almost 10 million Britons suffer pain daily, resulting in a significant impact on their quality of life including days off work. In recent years, acupuncture has increased in popularity in the UK and around the globe as a safer, less invasive approach to pain relief and wellness. However, as more people seek out this traditional treatment to address their health and wellbeing concerns, questions have arisen regarding the potential side effects of acupuncture. Here, we’ll be discussing who shouldn’t have acupuncture, addressing common worries and providing insight into how this traditional Chinese treatment works.

Who should not have acupuncture?

One of the biggest benefits of acupuncture is that it’s generally considered a safe and gentle approach to improving individuals’ wellbeing.

However, there are specific instances where practitioners would not advise having acupuncture, or would exercise caution with the targeted areas.

Pregnant women, individuals with bleeding or skin disorders, and people with pacemakers fitted are advised to consult with their GP and acupuncture practitioner before accessing treatment.

Many pregnant women have acupuncture during pregnancy to boost their immune system and improve wellbeing, but it’s always recommended to inform your practitioner beforehand so they can tailor the treatment to your individual needs.

We always advise those wanting to give acupuncture a try to communicate openly with their acupuncturist about any medical conditions to ensure a safe treatment plan can be devised.

Is there anything you shouldn’t do after having acupuncture?

To maximise the benefits and minimise side effects of acupuncture, post-treatment care is essential.

Most patients won’t experience any adverse effects; however, the key things to avoid are intense exercise and activities, alcoholic drinks, and exposure to extreme temperatures for 24 hours after treatment.

We highly recommend staying hydrated throughout the day after your session to support your body’s natural healing.

The remainder of your day should be spent relaxing, eating light meals, and prioritising self-care to ensure a good night’s rest post-treatment.

What happens the day after acupuncture?

How someone feels the day after receiving acupuncture will vary from person to person.

Most patients report feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, with increased energy levels after a good night’s sleep. However, others report feeling relaxed and sleepy as their body continues to heal.

Acupuncture works to stimulate the body’s immune system and restore the natural balance, which is why you may notice changes to your sleeping pattern, appetite, and emotional state.

Occasionally, patients will experience light bruising at the location a needle was inserted, but this usually resolves itself within a couple of days.

Does acupuncture actually work?

Over the years, there have been numerous studies around the world to support the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing a wide range of health conditions.

From chronic pain to migraines, anxiety to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acupuncture has been shown time and again to produce positive, and sometimes life-changing, results for patients in real-world settings and clinical trials.

By stimulating the flow of energy in the body called Qi, practitioners can work with patients to restore balance in the body and promote healing to address their specific health concerns.

Every person will respond differently to acupuncture, with some experiencing immediate results and others undertaking multiple sessions before feeling the benefits.

However, many people do report significant improvements after a series of sessions.

What are the signs acupuncture is working?

The signs that acupuncture is working tend to be subtle and gradually happen over a period of weeks or months.

By paying close attention to how your body feels and your overall wellbeing, you should start to notice increased energy levels, better sleep, and reduced pain in targeted areas.

Some patients may even notice an improvement in their mood, digestion, and feel more relaxed.

All of these markers are key indicators that acupuncture is working and that your body is responding positively to the regular stimulus.

By communicating these changes with your practitioner, you can work together to gradually adjust and personalise your treatment plan to ensure you are getting the most out of your acupuncture sessions.

Interested in learning more?

The after effects of acupuncture will be different for everyone, but generally most patients feel rested and relaxed and see an improvement in symptoms.

By adhering to the post-acupuncture care recommendations set out by your acupuncturist and listening to your body, you can make the most out of your wellness journey.

If you are interested in making acupuncture a part of your wellbeing regime and would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today by calling 0800 051 76 88.

Is acupuncture real medicine?

Acupuncture has been used as a traditional healing practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years.

It has since become popularised in the Western world, and is recognised as a less invasive method of managing pain and improving overall wellbeing.

However, its efficacy and legitimacy as a medical treatment have remained the subject of debate in the UK and other Western countries for many years.

In this article, we’ll be exploring key aspects of the practice to address the benefits of acupuncture, what acupuncture does, and answer the question, is acupuncture real medicine?

Is acupuncture considered a science?

To understand whether or not acupuncture is a science, we must look back at its history.

Acupuncture is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and is based on the idea that the vital life energy Qi (pronounced ‘Chee’) flows through the body along pathways named meridians.

TCM suggest that by inserting thin needles into specific acupoints along these meridians, practitioners can balance the flow of Qi to promote wellbeing.

Despite its rich and long past, western medicine demands more scientific evidence and validation, which has led critics to argue that acupuncture lacks scientific grounding.

However, those within the world of acupuncture argue that recent advancements and studies provide a solid basis for understanding the benefits of acupuncture.

In a 2017 clinical study, it was concluded acupuncture was an effective for the treatment of chronic pain.

Numerous studies conducted in the past decade have supported this conclusion.

Is acupuncture medically proven?

Over the years, the medical community in the UK and globally has evolved its stance on acupuncture.

In 1979, the World Health Organisation (WHO) first recognised acupuncture as a viable treatment for 43 conditions, including migraines and chronic pain. Since then, it has continued to recommend and support the practice.

Moreover, the NHS has also acknowledged acupuncture’s effectiveness for certain conditions and it is now used in many GP practices, as well as in most pain clinics and hospices.

Currently, the strongest support in the medical community is for acupuncture’s capacity to alleviate chronic pain.

Is acupuncture a placebo or real?

One of the most commonly asked questions about acupuncture is whether its benefits are real or a placebo effect.

Over the years, many acupuncture studies and trials have tested groups with real acupuncture and sham acupuncture to determine whether or not there can be a placebo effect.

These trials have seen mixed results, with some suggesting that acupuncture benefits extend way beyond a placebo effect and that the insertion of the needle does, in fact, trigger a physiological response.

Are acupressure points scientifically proven?

Acupressure is a commonly used technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body.

Although research into acupressure is not as extensive as acupuncture, some studies suggest it can be beneficial, particularly when used in conjunction with acupuncture.

For example, acupressure has demonstrated itself to help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep.

One 2011 systematic review of 43 studies of acupressure’s effectiveness treating symptoms found that in 35 of the studies, it was concluded that acupressure was effective at treating specific symptoms, including nausea, pain and insomnia.

Get in touch today

We hope that this article has helped you to better understand what acupuncture is and what the benefits of acupuncture are, but if you have any questions or are interested in learning how you could benefit from sessions, feel free to explore our website or get in touch with us today on 0800 051 76 88.