Acupuncture is an alternative treatment in which fine needles are inserted into the body for therapeutic purposes. It is used in conjunction with more traditional techniques such as physiotherapy as part of a holistic treatment plan bespoke to each patient’s needs and conditions.

It is a widely used practice that can treat a variety of health problems and it is employed by physiotherapists as an important aspect of pain management. It works by stimulating nerve endings under the skin to produce endorphins and oxytocin to reduce pain, promote relaxation and improve sleep, which in turn improves overall well-being.

Acupuncture can be used to help with the following:

• Pain management: acute and chronic
• Spinal: headaches, Cervical Spine, Lumbar and Thoracic, Sports Injuries, MSK
• Facial: tempora-mandibular joint (TMJ) pain , Bell’s Palsy
• Upper and Lower limbs: shoulder conditions e.g. frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, knees, foot, ankle and hips e.g. osteoarthritic knees, ITB syndrome etc.
• Neurology: MS, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, peripheral neuropathy etc.
• Respiratory: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), insomnia, prevention of malnutrition
• Women’s Health: fertility, PMS, pregnancy back pain
• Mental health: depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia
• Wellbeing: Insomnia, Obesity, IBS
• Cancer care: chemotherapy-related side effects e.g. pain, nausea, fatigue; xerostomia and hot flushes

Acupuncture treatment for infertile couples

Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular option for those experiencing infertility. Western research has established that acupuncture helps to release certain hormones in the brain including endorphins that help to relax the body, reduce pain and regulate woman’s menstrual cycle. Studies have also shown that acupuncture improves sperm quality.

Acupuncture can aid the conception process for those with unexplained fertility problems.

Other proven benefits are increased blood flow to reproductive organs and improvement in the quality of the eggs released. Those suffering from endometriosis and polycystic ovaries have also seen improvements to their condition.