All of our physiotherapists who are trained in acupuncture are registered with the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Acupuncture (AACP) and continually update their knowledge and continuous professional development each year.

If you are a blood donor we are able to issue you with a certificate enabling you to continue giving blood at any of the Island venues as this is accepted by the National Blood Donor Register.

 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest recorded forms of medicine having been used for over 3,000 years in China. There are several theories as to how the effects are produced. The important thing is that it does work and that any side effects are extremely rare. The traditional Chinese view is that Qi (energy) flows freely when the body is in a healthy state. If there is a problem, energy stagnates. The stimulation of appropriate acupuncture points frees this stagnation.

Research has been able to show that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural pain relieving chemicals- endorphins. These assist the body to heal itself and gain pain relief. There is now increasing scientific evidence to support the effects of acupuncture.

Will it work?

Research has shown that 70% of people gain relief from pain with acupuncture. It does not work for everybody and every condition but, frequently, good results are achieved when more conventional medicine has failed. There is nothing spiritual about it and patients don’t need to believe in acupuncture for it to work. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, with a build up of effects as treatment progresses. Some people are particularly good responders while others may see little benefit until they have had a few treatments: this is more likely in a chronic condition. Occasionally , the condition may become slightly worse at first. This is usually a sign that it means the condition will respond.

Why a physiotherapist?

Chartered physiotherapists work in co-operation with doctors, keeping them informed and referring back when necessary. The Acupuncture Assocation of Chartered Physiotherapists is abbreviated to AACP. AACP members have completed a 3-4 year degree course, based on western medicine with particular emphasis on anatomy and neurophysiology. Acupuncture is undertaken at post-graduate level. All members of the AACP who practice acupuncture are trained to give pain relief.

Chartered physiotherapists are in a unique position to combine acupuncture with other  treatment methods, such as exercise, manual therapy, heat and ice, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy and relaxation techniques. Increasingly, some physiotherpists are finding acupuncture an effective complement to their established skills. AACP members are bound by a code of professional conduct.

The National Blood Transfusion Service approves acupuncture treatment provided by AACP members. Ask for a certificate from your physiotherpist.