Acupuncture is an ancient art of healing which has been practised in China for 3000 years. The traditional concepts have been modified to stand the test of modern scientific medicine. Many studies have demonstrated the clear advantage of acupuncture treatment in a variety of medical conditions.

The consultation involves taking a full medical history and clinical examination to identify the cause of the problem and to apply the appropriate treatment.

The number of treatment sessions required depends on the nature of the disease. Mild conditions may require 2 –3 sessions although more chronic diseases may require six sessions or more to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit.

The needles are very fine and disposable. They are usually painless. For those who are scared of needles there is the alternative laser acupuncture (no needles) - which is also useful for neuralgia type pain.

The following problems are likely to respond to acupuncture:

• Chronic Low Back Pain
• Neuropathic pain (Post Herpetic Neuralgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia)
• Migraine and Tension Headache
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Musculo-skeletal Pain (Tennis Elbow, Shoulder Pain)
• Cervical Spondylosis and Whiplash Injury
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
• Stress incontinence (Detrusor instability)
• Asthma

Dr Elizabeth Sylvester is one of the Westbourne Medical Centre doctors. Prior to entering general practice she worked in full time acupuncture. She currently runs an NHS acupuncture service on a regular basis.

    Call 01202 756256