Very often it is possible to combine the best of both East and West and use the acupuncture or Chinese Herbs in association with treatment provided by a GP or other health care provider.
Following, are some of the many conditions treated by acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Acupuncture Evidence Project - MacDonald/Janz 2017 advises on research
Musculo-skeletal - lower back pain, joint sprains, muscle strain, sciatica, arthritis, sporting injuries, sports performance or enhancement.
Respiratory conditions - sinus problems, hay fever, common cold or flu, asthma, bronchitis.
Gastrointestinal disorders - constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, haemorrhoids, heartburn and reflux.
Cardiovascular - angina, palpitations, high or low blood pressure.
Womens' Health - irregular or painful periods, some fertility disorders, premenstrual difficulties, menopausal symptoms.
Pregnancy - morning sickness, breech baby, heartburn, elevated blood pressure, oedema, lower back pain, preparation for labour.
Mens' Health - some fertility disorders, prostate problems, erectile dysfunction
Neurological - headaches including migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, meniere’s disease, tinnitus, Bell’s palsy, post-stroke syndrome, insomnia, excessive dreaming.
Metabolic disorders - chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, hormonal irregularities.
Urological disorders - urinary tract infections, nocturia, bed wetting
Psychological disorders - post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, smoking/drug addiction.
Skin disorders - acne, psoriasis, eczema, scarring.
People often seek acupuncture for acute injuries – in general, the sooner the injury is treated, the better the result. Some severe injuries may require specialist treatment before acupuncture. However, acupuncture could help to reduce the shock and emotional effects of accidents so early treatment would be beneficial.
If the injured area is inaccessible due to a plaster cast or dressing, acupuncture points can be chosen above and below the site to treat the injury. Because acupuncture points occur on both sides of the body, the uninjured side may be needled to effect treatment.