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Western Medical Acupuncture

Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA) is a treatment where fine needles are inserted into certain areas of the body to relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions after a medical diagnosis has been made.

WMA stimulates the nerves in skin, muscle and other tissues, and can produce a variety of effects. We know that it increases the release of the body’s natural painkillers, including β-endorphin and serotonin, in the pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain  signals are received by the brain. WMA can do more than simply reduce pain however: it seems to have a beneficial effect on the health of some individuals. People often notice an improved sense of wellbeing after treatment.

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Current research shows that acupuncture can affect most of the body’s systems – the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone production, circulation, and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

Acupuncture is effective in a wide range of conditions. Current evidence suggests that acupuncture may be effective in relieving symptoms in conditions such as:

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  • Musculoskeletal pain

    • Chronic back and neck pain

    • Osteoarthritis of knee

    • Tennis elbow

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Women’s Health

    • Menopausal symptoms

    • Period pain

    • Overactive bladder

  • Stress and Anxiety

  • Chronic sinusitis

  • Insomnia

Acupuncture is a potent therapy and, whilst it is generally safer than most conventional treatments, if used without due care it can have adverse effects or interactions with other treatments. Acupuncture should only be used by trained practitioners who are equipped to assess the risks and benefits of applying it.

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There are some side effects that can rarely result from acupuncture:

  • Drowsiness occurs after treatment in a small number of people, and,
    if affected, you are advised not to drive (1%)

  • Minor bleeding or bruising occurs after acupuncture (3%)

  • Pain during treatment can occur (1%)

  • Symptoms can get worse after treatment. You should tell your
    acupuncturist about this, but it is usually a good sign (3%)

  • Fainting can occur in certain people, particularly at the first treatment (0.3%)

  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung < 0.0002%)

  • Broken/stuck needles (0.1%)

Before your treatment, your practitioner will need to know certain details from your medical history. Apart from the usual medical details, it is important that you let your practitioner know:

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  • If you have ever experienced a fit, faint or funny turn

  • If you have diabetes

  • If you are or could be pregnant

  • If you have recently had a course of chemotherapy

  • If you have a pacemaker or any other electrical implants

  • If you have a bleeding disorder

  • If you are taking anti-coagulants or any other medication

  • If you have damaged heart valves or have any other particular risk of infection

What is WMA?

How does it work?

What conditions can WMA treat?

Is WMA safe?

What do I need to tell my acupuncturist?

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