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Treatments

Traditional Acupuncture

Traditionally, acupuncture was seen to promote the smooth flow of qi or energy through meridians that run through the body and address any imbalances that could result in ill health and pain.


In Western scientific terms, acupuncture works by stimulating the brain and spinal cord to produce natural chemicals in the body. These chemicals include endorphins to relieve pain, oxytocin to reduce stress, melatonin to encourage sleep, serotonin to enhance feelings of well-being and adenosine which reduces inflammation in the body, therefore assisting in the body’s natural healing process. Acupuncture also stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals and help to reduce the sensitivity of tender points in the body.


Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions and the   evidence base in support of its use is continually growing. Well known for treating chronic pain conditions such as back, neck, shoulder and knee pain, research has also found acupuncture to be helpful in:-

 

  • Headaches and migraine
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Mental health issues (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
  • Digestive disorders such as IBS and overactive bladder
  • Male and female fertility issues and IVF support
  • Chronic Prostatitis symptoms


BAcC Research Fact Sheets

Orthopaedic Acupuncture

Orthopaedic Acupuncture has evolved from and integrates Traditional Chinese Acupuncture but is based on a modern understanding of human anatomy and physiology.


Traditional techniques are used to treat the muscles and soft tissues of the body in particular to release taut bands of muscle or trigger points that can often be a major cause of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. 


Many athletes and sports clubs use acupuncture to enhance athletic performance, aid recovery and treat sports injuries such as:

 

  •  Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Morton's Neuroma
  • Shin Splints
  • Tennis/Golfer's Elbow
  • Back pain and Sciatica
  • Knee pain
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain 
  •  IT Band and Hamstring tightness

 

Why All Athletes Should Try Acupuncture

Massage

Massage involves working the soft tissue of the body to release muscular tension and increase delivery of blood and oxygen to the treated areas. It is often used in support of other therapies to assist in the rehabilitation of muscular injuries.
Specialised techniques are used to stimulate the nerves, muscles and joints of the body, relax soft tissue and facilitate the body's own healing and repair processes. The benefits include:-   
  • Increased blood flow to facilitate the transportation of nutrients and oxygen and encourage healing.  
  • Reduces stress and tension. Massage techniques can help to relax contracted muscle fibres and connective tissues. This can reduce pain by allowing the free flow of blood and lymph around the tissues as well as releasing any compression of nearby nerves.
  • Breaks down scar tissue and fibrous adhesions to allow greater mobility of joints and muscles.

Fertility and IVF Support

Studies show that acupuncture can significantly improve the birth rate of sub-fertile women undergoing IVF.  (Zhang X et al 2018).


Undergoing IVF can be a very stressful time and other research has indicated that acupuncture can reduce stress and/or anxiety and increase a woman's ability to cope with the IVF process.


A comprehensive acupuncture treatment management strategy may be required leading up to an IVF cycle (pre-treatment), and then during ovarian stimulation, with an aim to influence the development of ovarian follicles. In addition, treatment may also be provided around embryo transfer, and shortly afterwards during the two-week wait prior to a pregnancy test, to possibly influence implantation and relieve stress and anxiety resulting from uncertainty.


Research indicates that the effectiveness of acupuncture may be dose-dependent, i.e. you need to have a sufficient number of sessions over an adequate period of time.




Electro-acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture involves attaching small electrodes to the acupuncture needles and applying a pulsating electrical current to stimulate the point and enhance the therapeutic effect of the treatment.  The patient will feel a gentle vibration which is often very soothing.

While electro-acupuncture may be used as a component of almost all acupuncture treatments, it is has garnered especially good results regarding the treatment of neurological diseases, chronic pain, spasms, and paralysis. It is also commonly used in sports medicine to treat sports injuries.

Cupping

Cupping is a traditional Chinese treatments commonly used alongside acupuncture to treat fasciomusculoskeletal injuries and complaints (including sports related issues).

Cupping or ‘myofascial decompression’ can be thought of as a reverse massage. The tissues are sucked up into glass, plastic or silicone cups which are then either left in place or moved over the lubricated skin in a gliding motion which releases tension in muscle, fascia and connective tissue improving mobility.

Cupping also encourages blood flow and lymphatic drainage, works to release knots and trigger points and mobilises adhesions and scar tissue. 

Traditionally, cupping is also used for lung issues such as asthma, bronchitis and cold & flu symptoms.

Gua Sha

Gua sha is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine. Gua sha means to “press-stroke” and is commonly called ‘coining’ or ‘spooning.’ It involves the scraping of lubricated skin with a specialised tool to increase microcirculation to the tissues and to create a therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect. 

Modern research shows Gua sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single Gua sha treatment. This accounts for its effect on pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, wheeze, nausea and vomiting etc.

The red petechiae marks often left on the skin by Gua sha usually only last a few days and are painless

Infrared Heat Therapy

Infrared heat is a form of energy that heats the body more effectively and penetrates more deeply than other types of heat. Infrared light penetrates deep into the body all the way to the inner layers of the skin, muscles, nerves, and bones.

The infrared heat boosts local blood circulation, which brings more healing nutrients and pain-relieving components to the area, reduces inflammation, relaxes muscles and reduces muscle stiffness.

Infrared heat therapy is often used alongside acupuncture to enhance the therapeutic effect of the treatment.