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Home » Treatments » Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture in Colchester: What is it and how does it work?

The style of acupuncture I offer at Colchester Acupuncture is classed as “Traditional acupuncture”. What that means is I will use the classic teachings of Traditional Chinese medicine. Using tongue and pulse diagnosis and a holistic approach, stepping back and viewing the bigger picture, a selection of points are chosen usually with a main emphasis. Having said that, sometimes I will simply choose a more protocol based approach (which is a more modern Western or medical style of acupuncture). It’s about offering flexibility of approach to suit the needs of the patient.

Does it really work?

The short answer is Yes! If you’re interested in a deep dive of research, this is a good resource.

What is Traditional acupuncture?

Traditional acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine that’s been around for thousands of years. It uses fine needles to stimulate certain points around the body. It’s worth mentioning that the needles are sterile and for single use only. Different needles (size/gauge) are used depending on the area of the body that they’re being used on. The needles are very fine and come in a plastic ‘guide tube, which keeps them clean.

Insertion of acupuncture needles is painless. Once in place, the needle is manipulated to produce a dull achy sensation known as ‘de qi’. There are hundreds of different acupuncture points on the body. Generally, a choice of points is chosen depending on the patient’s condition.

How does acupuncture work?

The modern scientific explanation of how acupuncture works is that needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system. This releases chemicals in the muscles, spinal chord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain. They can also trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones. These influence the body’s own internal regulating system.

In traditional language, inserting the acupuncture needles affects the flow of qi. This is the body’s vital energy that travels around the body via channels or meridians. For several reasons, qi can become disturbed, depleted or blocked. A common saying amongst acupuncturists is: “pain no flow – flow no pain”. In other words, when qi is flowing correctly, then the body is in balance.

The language of traditional acupuncture is a reflection of its cultural and historic origins. It sees symptoms of pain and illness as a sign that the body is out of balance. This happens due to poor or excess nutrition. It also is caused by emotional and physical stress, injury, infection, or a constitutional weakness. Physical, emotional and psychological symptoms are seen as interconnected.

British Acupuncuture Council Member in Colchester Essex

If you’d like to read more about it’s history, The British Acupuncture Council has some good information.

What are the benefits of choosing acupuncture?

Acupuncture works! Acupuncture has very few side effects. Occasionally a small bruise or a spot of blood may occur. This happens rarely with a skilled acupuncturist with good needle techniques as the needles we use are very fine. Patients sometimes feel sleepy after treatment. This is due to a reduction in blood pressure as blood vessels relax and dilate.

I would never suggest to a patient to not take or stop drug therapy. But, there are occasions where it is possible to reduce certain medications with the guidance of your GP. Pain killers being a typical example. Another example is for patients who frequently experience chest infections, sinusitis, or UTIs that require antibiotics, acupuncture can serve in various ways. It can be a frontline treatment. It can also be a preventative measure or an adjunctive treatment. This is determined by individual circumstances and what’s most appropriate.

Hayfever is another good example. A short course of treatment (six sessions?) can often help most people get through the summer months without anti-histamines. Alternatively, they need only a limited amount.

I strongly believe in using acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat menstrual irregularities. These methods are preferable to simply suppressing the cycle with hormone replacements or contraceptive pills. From puberty, through the fertile years and into menopause, acupuncture can offer a lot. The benefit here is that once the cycle is regulated, it should maintain.

Acupuncture treats the whole person not just the disease

Acupuncture is used to treat individual symptoms but also complex conditions. Patients often notice improvements in other areas. These areas include sleep, digestion, and emotional wellbeing during treatment of a certain set of symptoms. Traditional acupuncturists will aim to treat the person as a whole.

In some cases, patients only need a few sessions. For others, a longer course of treatment is recommended. This will be discussed at your consultation.

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Location

14 Trinity st, Colchester. CO1 1JN
07891 111436
colchester.acupuncture@gmail.com
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am-8pm Saturday 8am - 5pm

Latest reviews

Colchester Acupuncture
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Sue Darby
22:00 27 Mar 25
I have been seeing Karen for quite some time on a regular basis due to long term back pain due to arthritis and she keeps me on my feet, I always feel so much better when I have seen her for acupuncture. She is kind, funny, supportive and a true professional. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
D Brosnan
15:05 27 Mar 25
Went to Karen after being highly recommended by a friend, my back had been tense and stiff for a while. Karen was very professional and after a chat recommended some acupuncture. Was made very comfortable and relaxed and had some treatment. Afterwards felt fantastic and could actually bend down to tie my shoelaces with ease, for the first time in a long time. Throughly recommend Karen and will be going back for regular treatment.
Ibrahim Tameimy
17:56 22 Aug 24
Highly recommended
Dori B.
18:28 23 Mar 24
Kat Scott
13:23 13 Dec 23
Karen is brilliant. Her treatments have helped me with chronic fatigue and pain. Always such a pleasure to chat with and a great support throughout health issues. From a total newbie to acupuncture am now a total convert. Thanks Karen, can't recommend you to others enough!
Sophie M
20:44 14 Jun 21
Karen was excellent. I'd never had acupuncture before but she was very knowledge about acupuncture but also what I was going to see her for and the wider issues and the ins and outs of other treatments I had along side the acupuncture.She made me feel at ease and was very supportive. I would recommend Karen to everyone. The acupuncture worked and I was always very relaxed I was always dissapointed when it was over as I was always so relaxed during and after treatment.Thanks
Laura
17:18 15 Feb 21
Karen is always professional and makes me feel comfortable and safe during our appointments. She has been a huge help with both my menopause symptoms, as well as managing flare ups with my neck and back pain. I was previously unsure about acupuncture, but I simply can’t deny the significant benefits Karen has made to my quality of life after my treatments. I strongly recommend a visit to Karen, especially if you’re nervous or unsure about receiving treatments.

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