Medical Acupuncture
Medical acupuncture is an evidence-based treatment that uses very fine needles to help manage a variety of conditions. Unlike traditional Chinese acupuncture, which focuses on balancing the body’s Qi (energy), medical acupuncture is rooted in evidence-based modern science. It draws on up-to-date understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to guide treatment in a safe, clinical way.
Why Choose a Medical Acupuncturist?
Medical acupuncturists are regulated healthcare professionals. They understand your health conditions, test results, and medications, so your treatment can safely support any other medical care you may have.
Conditions We Treat with Medical Acupuncture
Current research shows that acupuncture gives pain relief for acute and chronic conditions such as:
- Musculoskeletal pain, including chronic low back and neck pain
- Knee osteoarthritis pain
- Migraine and tension type headache
- Temporomandibular (jaw joint) disorders (TMD)
- Cancer-related pain and side effects from cancer treatment
Other conditions that can benefit from acupuncture are:
- Overactive bladder syndrome
- Post-operative nausea and vomiting
- Shoulder pain
The list is limited by current regulations on advertising and how they are interpreted. If you have any questions about the role of acupuncture in treating your medical condition, please contact the clinic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Medical Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in the skin, muscles and other tissues. We know that this treatment increases the release of the body’s natural painkillers, including endorphin and serotonin in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received.
Click here for more detailed information about how medical acupuncture works and evidence for acupuncture.
Acupuncture should not be painful, the needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted. It’s normal to feel a tingle or dull ache, which lasts for a few seconds and is generally not considered uncomfortable. Acupuncture is surprisingly relaxing and many people fall asleep during treatment.
If needles are a concern for you then please don’t hesitate to come and talk it through with me first.
Acupuncture is generally very safe and one of the safest medical treatments on offer in the UK. Serious side effects are very rare with less than 1 in 10,000 treatments.
High quality sterile, single-use, disposable needles are used in the clinic.
Acupuncture may cause:
- – Drowsiness after treatment in a small number of patients. You are advised not to drive if affected.
- – Minor bleeding or bruising may occur in 3% of treatments.
- – Pain during treatment occurs in 1% of treatments.
- – Your condition/symptoms may get worse after acupuncture treatment (less than 3% of patients). You should tell your acupuncturist, but this is usually a good sign
- – Fainting can occur in certain patients
Your first appointment will be approximately one hour, subsequent appointments will be no more than 40 minutes. Every patient will have an initial assessment where your medical history and full details of your current condition will be taken, followed by a course of treatment suitable for the condition.
During the session you’ll usually be asked to lie down or be seated on the treatment couch. It is advisable to wear loose fitting clothes that can be readily rolled up.
Treatment might be once a week to start with, then at longer intervals as the condition responds. A typical course could be 5-8 sessions depending on the condition.
If Acupoint feels that your condition cannot be treated with acupuncture, you will be recommended to see your GP or other specialist.
There is free parking at Acupoint.
Dry needling has some similarities to acupuncture, however dry needling technique uses trigger points or areas of tightness in muscles. Only one needle is inserted at a time with the aim to cause a “twitch response”.
The twitch response causes the muscle to become inactivated, which has previously been in a state of contraction following injury.
Dry needling lasts for two minutes and effects are often felt immediately.
Auricular (ear) acupressure is an application of specially designed ear seeds that are applied to specific points to support the patients long term health goals such as:
– A part of a weight loss programme, support smoking cessation etc.
– To aid body detoxification (NADA protocol), or to provide relief from pain (Battlefield protocol).
Electroacupuncture is a method where a small electrical current flows between two needles via a device that generates electrical current.
The electrical stimulation is not painful, it is more a gentle vibration and tingling sensation.
The reason the practitioner may advise the use of electroacupuncture is to enhance healing and provide longer lasting pain relief.
MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY...
Sport related ankle injury
My daughter fractured her ankle with torn ligaments, which rendered her off the running track. Progress was slow and actually finding out exactly what had happened was an uphill climb, but we came to Charlotte for some treatment as the ankle injury was taking too long to heal, after a couple of treatments and following Charlotte’s advice she got back onto the track, we had to make return visits as it would flare up and after treatment she got instant relief. My daughter is 17 and short distant runner and often competes in competitions, she struggled with not being able to compete and Charlotte gave her confidence to get back into training. I cannot recommend this lady enough she’s helped me through, pain management with my arthritis and her research into my problems where second to none.
Sports related
Charlotte has both comforted and wow’d me in equal measure. As I am a chiropractor, we have naturally crossed paths a number of times – with there being occasional crossover in those we are able to help. All my patients whom mentioned Charlotte did so with vibrant enthusiasm. However, it wasn’t until a recent flare up of an old issue that I sought Charlotte’s help myself. I have regular chiropractic and massage appointments, I train hard and I both ask; and get; a lot out of my body. My appointments with Charlotte have enabled me to get far more out of my body, whilst asking less of it … feeling faster, stronger, and, of course, being in less pain!! If anyone is reading this and wondering whether or not to give Charlotte a try, I wholeheartedly recommend that YOU DO! And, this recommendation comes on both a personal and professional level.Thank you Charlotte
Arthritis and Stress
I have had acupuncture before and not really benefitted.
However, Charlotte’s approach is completely different and she has helped me no end with my arthritic thumbs, stress and even my memory.
Thoroughly recommended
Sports related 2
I have seen Charlotte 3 times over the past few days with pains relating to tight hamstring/ hip flexors etc with her expertise I was able to run a full marathon yesterday that last week I thought I wouldn’t be able to.
I’ve been so impressed by Charlottes professionalism and knowledge of anatomy and how acupuncture works and having the extra benefit of the electro acupuncture was a bonus.
It’s been lovely to see someone who is so passionate and positive about something that helps you get back to doing something you feel passionate about… Thankyou
Medically induced Menopause Symptoms
Such a calming experience. Charlotte is an amazing woman and has helped me so much. As a young 26 year old woman going through ovarian cancer and straight into the menopause, Charlotte has helped me ease the symptoms massively. Acupoint is such a calming and relaxing environment. Charlotte made self taught acupuncture very easy and very helpful. I will recommend acupoint to everyone as it’s a fantastic service. Thank you.
Tension Headaches
My GP recommended Charlotte after months of tension headaches that medication didn’t touch.
I was apprehensive at first having never even considered Acupuncture but I have to say I was seriously impressed! The headaches have totally gone!
Charlotte is very friendly and helpful and the clinic is fantastic.
Would definitely recommend You give it a go!
Shoulder Osteoarthritis
I started l treatment with Charlotte for shoulder issues following a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. In ten weeks I have seen an incredible difference in the range of movement in my shoulders and my pain has gone from 8 to an occasional 0.5 out of 10. Just amazing.
Charlotte is friendly and professional. I leave feeling so relaxed at the end of our sessions.
I would recommend to anyone. Far better a holistic approach to treatment and pain management than conventional drug therapy in my opinion. I can’t thank Charlotte enough for her care and treatment.
Back Pain and Menopause
I initially went to Charlotte for help with my menopause symptoms. I was suffering with hot flushes and joint pains. Over a course of 6 weeks my symptoms began to subside. Charlotte then taught me to self acupuncture so I could maintain this at home.
I can honestly say that without the Acupuncture from Charlotte I don’t know where I would be with my symptoms now. I no longer have joint pain and my hot flushes are few and far between I don’t even acknowledge them anymore.
I have also been to Charlotte for back pain post a road traffic accident. Charlotte has worked her magic again! My back pain has improved dramatically and it is very rare that I even notice the pain now. I continue with maintainance appointments for my back and within this session
Charlotte comes highly recommended and I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done to relieve my symptoms.
Thank you Charlotte
Medically induced menopause symptoms
I am sharing my experience as a former NHS health professional, now needing treatment myself . The side effects of medication I am taking long-term result in hot sweats and joint pains, which has been difficult to manage. Acupuncture by Charlotte at Acupoint has been invaluable in reducing my symptoms drastically in both frequency and duration. Initially a 6 week course, I am now performing self acupuncture 2-3 times per week and seeing Charlotte in 12 weeks time for electro-acupuncture, this will gradually space out to longer intervals and reduce your costs if you need longer-term sessions. I am aware for some people the results can be slower and more difficult to achieve but I cannot speak highly enough of the benefits I have gained. Charlotte is very professional, the treatment room is very calming, spotlessly clean and she offers relaxation techniques at the same time. A very professional service, a confidential space where I feel I can discuss anything with her. Her knowledge base , skills, research and advice are second to none. Self acupuncture under Charlotte’s guidance is easy to perform, she will give you as much support as you require, it doesn’t matter how many times you are unsure of anything, she can help you. I now feel I am in control of my everyday life again and can continue the outdoor activities and exercise that I love to do , without the resulting side effects. A truly lovely person who I am so happy to have found and put my trust in, thank you so much Charlotte for helping me regain normality again.
Osteoarthritis
I immediately felt at ease with Charlotte. Having been an Osteoarthritis sufferer from many years I was getting more & more low with the pain. The treatment that she has given me has made a vast difference to how I feel, more relaxed with less pain.She is a very talented caring lady, highly recommend.
Migraines, Shoulder and Back Pain
I have suffered with my shoulder and back and neck, triggering migraines and lots of pain in the shoulder and bottom of my back for the last 10 years. I have had loads of different medicines and injections and massages under the doctor and hospital. acupuncture is amazing you wouldn’t believe it till you try it. I have had my shoulder back done first session, The pain relief was absolutely amazing. And on my second session, I cannot be more happier with the pain relief. I’ve got the movement back in my shoulder. It’s just amazing you’ll have to try to believe it. Charlotte is very professional and was absolutely amazing. give it a go, you have got nothing to lose, but you’ll feel the benefits straight away.
Pregnancy Related Pain and Symptoms
I’ve been attending Acupoint during my pregnancy and been treated for sickness, nausea, pelvic girdle pain, cervical ripening and for general wellbeing. Charlotte has been responsive to the changing symptoms and is trained to treat pregnancy specific conditions. She instills confidence, is incredibly knowledgeable, professional and explains things in a clear way.
Knee Osteoarthritis
I don’t review very often but I feel I have to in regard Acupoint and Charlotte, I have been suffering from chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis in both knees, not wanting to spend many years on pain killers until I’m old enough for new knees I thought I would give Acupoint a try given all the positive reviews that are on the web site, for anyone suffering from osteoarthritis give this a try ,after two sessions of electro acupuncture I am pain free in almost two years, Charlotte is amazing and her knowledge and professionalism puts you at ease straight away, I cannot shout about this treatment enough thankyou so much Acupoint (Charlotte) highly recommend.
Hayfever
After 30 years of hayfever I am no longer having any symptoms. I was taking the strongest medication for it and eye drops and I don’t need either now.
Anxiety & Medical Induced Hot flushes
Charlotte is professional, and very welcoming. On my first session she made me feel very at ease and was very understanding to my needs. Have been going to Acupoint for anxiety and hot flushes caused by breast cancer treatment…..its helping me massively. Can’t thank her enough.
Skin Allergy
Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Charlotte. Having phoned her in a panic, desperate to get some pain relief for a severe itching skin allergy, she agreed to see me within a couple of hours. I had no experience of acupuncture and was open minded about the treatment and the results. Instantly after the first session I could feel some relief. Having spent 6 weeks in severe pain with burning itching sensations on my skin and 7 doctors baffled by the cause. The only treatment that helped was acupuncture. Charlotte tailored the sessions so I could get maximum relief, incorporating the ‘electro’ element. I continued to go to acupuncture for a few sessions and have agreed to contact her again if any further issues or pain occur. The cost was minimal, especially when considering the agony I was in before I contacted her. I would wholeheartedly recommend her business and would urge anyone in pain to give acupuncture a go.
Thank you Charlotte; your professionalism, dedication and commitment to helping other people is exceptional and the service you provide is outstanding. I will be recommending your service to my friends, family and colleagues.
Osteoarthritis – Knee
Having taken pain killers for osteoarthritis for my knees, I thought it was about time to try something different. Well I have to say Charlotte has worked miracles with acupuncture. After only a couple of sessions my mobility has improved and after the 6th and final session the inflammation has reduced noticeably and pain levels have reduced considerably too.
Migraines
I am very grateful to Charlotte for treating my migraines. This was my first experience with acupuncture and left me positively impressed. Charlotte is very professional, while at the same time pleasant and easy-going.It is evident that she is passionate about acupuncture and dedicated to improving her patients’ life. The practice is easily accessible, the treatment room is clean and conveying a very soothing atmosphere. Personally, I do not find the procedure painful and for me the sessions are very relaxing. Above all, I was delighted with the outcome. As a medical professional, I was very impressed with the impact of the treatment, which was evident from the first session. Before seeing Charlotte, I used to suffer migraines every week; once I started acupuncture, their frequency decreased dramatically as I only had two migraines over the last five months. It also helped me identify dehydration as a trigger for my migraines. Moreover, I noticed unexpected benefits in that my sleep quality and my basal hear rate have improved. I would whole-heartily recommend Charlotte to anyone who wishes to try acupuncture!
If you are under the age of 16 you will need parental/guardian consent.
Message the clinic (via text) on 07824 665 494 to book an appointment
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07824 665 494