WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

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Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine in which fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes to mainly address pain.

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It is often seen as a form of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), although it is used in many NHS general practices, as well as the majority of pain clinics and hospices in the UK.

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Western medical acupuncture is the use of acupuncture after a proper medical diagnosis. It is based on scientific evidence that shows the treatment can stimulate nerves under the skin and in muscle tissue. 

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This results in the body producing pain-relieving substances, such as endorphins. It is likely these substances are responsible for any beneficial effects seen with this form of acupuncture.

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Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or "life force", flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced "chee"). 

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Practitioners who adhere to traditional beliefs about acupuncture believe that when Qi does not flow freely through the body, this can cause illness. They also believe acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi, and so it can restore health.

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We have fully qualified practitioners who are trained in both traditional and western based acupuncture. Acupuncture is generally an adjunct treatment to other primary treatments such as exercise therapy and is considered after a medical diagnosis given by our specialist physiotherapist's. 4front Physiotherapy mainly practice western based acupuncture. However, if you specifically request to have traditional chinese acupuncture we can provide you with the relevant professional who holds the knowledge you require.