Western Acupuncture

What is Western Acupuncture?

Medical or Western Acupuncture can also known as Dry Needling. It is a western adaptation of traditional acupuncture.

It is practiced predominantly by doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths & chiropractors and uses a more select range of acupuncture techniques on the basis of a western medical diagnosis and evidence based research.

It is not one of the various forms Traditional acupuncture and should not be confused as such!

Dry Needling is based on anatomy, physiology and western scientific findings and is often used in conjunction with other therapies as discussed above.

Most acupuncturists that practice western acupuncture have some sort of medical qualification and have studied it as a post graduate qualification.

How does it work?

Several processes have been proposed to explain acupuncture's effects, primarily those on pain. Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.

These chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other chemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body's self-regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. There are three main mechanisms:

1. Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Western scientists have found evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways through acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and of immune system cells to specific sites that are injured or vulnerable to disease.
   
   
2. Activation of opioid systems: research has found that several types of opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.
   
   
3. Changes in brain chemistry sensation, and involuntary body functions: studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in a good way. Acupuncture also has been documented to affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes whereby a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature are regulated.
   
   

What Does It Feel Like?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used in injections and blood tests.  They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow.  When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. 

Needles are normally left in place for 20 - 30 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

The Practitioners

Mrs. Michelle McWilliam
B.Sc (Hons) Ost. Med. D.N. B.Sc (Hons) Acu.

Michelle is a qualified chinese acupuncturist with a degree from the London College of Traditional Acupuncture.

She has had great success with treating patients with infertility and gynaecological issues, stress and anxiety and uses it in conjunction with her osteopathic training to treat any areas of pain in the body.

Michelle has undergone acupuncture treatment herself from the age of 8 and is willing to discuss any concerns or questions that you may have about how acupuncture works or what the treatment will entail.

Mr Ian Stuart
B.Sc (Hons) Ost. Med. D.N.

Ian has undergone post graduate training in acupuncture so that he can combine his osteopathy and dry needling in order to effectively treat many conditions.

Those conditions that he has had most success with are sciatica, shoulder pain and knee pain. He generally uses dry needling within an osteopathic treatment, however if you would like to only be treated with dry needling acupuncture then he is also willing to discuss this within the consultation.