What does acupuncture do?
Acupuncture uses very fine needles placed at specific points on the body. The needles stimulate nerves in the skin and muscle, which is thought to change how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, release natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins, and ease muscle tension. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the same effects are described as restoring the flow of qi. Our guide to what acupuncture is and how it works explains more.
Benefits of acupuncture
- Short-term relief from some types of chronic pain, such as long-term neck and shoulder pain
- Fewer migraines and tension headaches when used for prevention
- Possible help with stress, muscle tension and sleep, although the evidence is more limited
- Less nausea after surgery or chemotherapy
- Serious side effects are rare when treatment is given by a registered practitioner
What can acupuncture treat? Conditions with the best evidence
Chronic pain is where acupuncture has the most research behind it. NICE recommends it for chronic primary pain and for migraine and tension-type headache prevention. Systematic reviews support its use for osteoarthritis of the knee, chronic neck pain, chronic low back pain and shoulder pain, with benefits that last well beyond the course of treatment. It is also well supported for post-operative and chemotherapy-related nausea.
Conditions where it is commonly used
Many people come to acupuncture for stress, anxiety, poor sleep, period pain, menopausal hot flushes, sciatica, sports injuries, tendon problems and tension held in the neck and jaw. The evidence for these ranges from promising to limited. Acupuncture can be a reasonable thing to try, particularly where medication has not helped or is not wanted, provided expectations are realistic. Read more about acupuncture for back pain, migraines, neck pain, insomnia and menopause, or whether it can help anxiety.
Where we would not recommend it
Acupuncture is not a replacement for medical diagnosis or for treating serious illness. If you have unexplained weight loss, night pain, numbness, or symptoms that are getting worse, see your GP first. We routinely refer people back to their doctor when something needs investigating.
How we decide with you
At your first acupuncture appointment at Omnia in Chiswick, a registered acupuncturist takes a history, examines the area, and tells you honestly whether acupuncture is likely to help, whether physiotherapy or manual therapy would be a better first step, or whether combining approaches makes sense. Sessions are 60 minutes and most conditions are treated over four to six visits, with a review at visit three. A 60-minute session is £80; book through our booking page or call 020 4515 0000. Omnia Lifestyle is at 8 to 9 Bedford Corner, The Avenue, Chiswick W4 1LZ, close to Turnham Green station, on bus routes 94, E3 and 272. Limited parking is available on request when booking.
Combining acupuncture with other care
Acupuncture sits comfortably alongside physiotherapy, manual therapy, lymphatic drainage and red light therapy, all of which are available under one roof at Omnia. It does not interfere with most medication, though you should tell your practitioner about blood thinners or a pacemaker.
Book acupuncture in Chiswick: sessions from £50. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.