World Acupuncture Awareness Day
World Acupuncture Awareness Day is on Wednesday 16 November this year, so I would like to share some information about acupuncture treatment and some of the things that my patients say plus the common things that I say too!
How does it work?
One of the most common questions I get asked is: “How does it work?” We experience our daily life with emotions (mainly stress), diet, environment and the work-life balance and all of them can have an impact on the body and the mind. (Imbalance) The reaction is a symptom that could be physical or mental or both that is diagnosed, normally, by a GP. The aim of acupuncture is to identify the root cause of this imbalance. Then using very fine needles on specific points the acupuncture helps the body to rebalance and re-energise. This is why acupuncture can help to treat so many conditions.
Common conditions treated with acupuncture
anxiety, stress, depression, fatigue, insomnia, migraine, skin conditions, digestion conditions, gynaecological, infertility, autoimmune, aches and pains and so many more…
The science bit….
If you like the scientific explanation, it involves the sensory nerves on specific points to send messages to the brain. The response is stimulation to produce natural hormones, like endorphins, that help to relieve pain, reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Acupuncture can also reduce pro-inflammatory markers or proteins in the body; plus, the needles can stimulate the brain to secrete a nerve growth factor that may help nerve regeneration.
Acupuncture can take a few days to take effect; there are lots of different responses to treatment, sometimes it’s immediate, or the following day there is a change and sometimes it’s a few days later.
I feel very fortunate to love my job, and I appreciate that generally I work with such lovely patients. Here are some of their reactions:
“I feel different today”
“I am more relaxed”
“Something has changed”
“I have a lot more energy”
“I feel a bit more normal”
“Can I have treatment every day?”
“You have such a calm voice”
“I’ve stopped worrying about getting a migraine”
“I’m getting more sleep”
“My pain is a lot less and I can move more”
Being a successful acupuncturist is a fine balance of head and heart. Some days my patients need my knowledge and skills, while on other days they need a listening ear, an open heart and compassion. Both of these are equally valuable!
Here are some of the things that I say frequently:
Yes, most people find their first treatment very relaxing and no it doesn’t hurt!”
“My needles are tiny, it’s not like an injection”
“Yes, of course drinking more water is a good idea, it is so good for you”
“Have you heard about the benefits of deep breathing?”
“Do you get enough rest?”
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and I hope that you know a little more about this amazing medicine that has evolved over the last three thousand years. I’m happy to help you with any questions.
Call or send a text over to Kerry: 07715 458 064
Duggie’s Ramblings – November 2022
