Acupuncture

Dr Karia is now a registered provider of Medical Acupuncture with most health insurance companies. Please check with your insurance provider to check whether your Acupuncture Treatment may be covered.

Acupuncture-like techniques have been used all around the world for over 5000 years. Acupuncture is a treatment that can relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions and may encourage the body to repair and heal itself.

Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate the nerves in skin and muscles. It increases the body's release of natural painkillers - endorphins and serotonin and can help relieve pain. It also has a beneficial effect on health and patients often notice an improved sense of well-being after treatment.

Acupuncture is generally safer than most conventional treatments, but if used without due care, it can have serious adverse effects and interactions with other treatments. Acupuncture should only be used by trained therapists who can adequately assess the risks and benefits of therapy.

Acupuncture may benefit:

• Musculoskeletal pain- back, neck, shoulder, leg and arm pain
• Trapped nerves, muscle strains, sports injuries and arthritic  rheumatic pain
• Headache and migraines
• Menstrual and menopausal symptoms
• Morning sickness
• Irritable bladder and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Allergies eg, hayfever, allergic rhinitis and some types of allergic rashes such as urticaria and prickly heat
• Skin problems such as rashes and ulcers
• Smoking cessation - aimed at the first 10 days of quitting to help patients tolerate the effects of nicotine withdrawal
• Weight loss - a trial of treatment may be possible and would be aimed at appetite suppression. Lifestyle modification is required to maintain any weight loss achieved.
• Facial Rejuvenation - enhances natural beauty and reduces the appearance of fine lines - without dangerous chemicals

This is not a complete list and many other conditions have been treated with acupuncture.

What is involved in having Western Medical Acupuncture?

Every patient is given an initial assessment and treatment is tailored to the individual. The initial consultation and treatment will usually take half an hour. Further appointments are between 15-20 minutes duration, depending on the condition.

Treatment might be once a week to begin with, then at longer intervals as the condition responds. A typical course of treatment lasts 5 to 8 sessions, but may varyaccording to the condition being treated and the patient's response.

Before starting acupuncture, the doctor must be sure that all the necessary tests have been carried out which might point to any serious or potentially serious condition, perhaps requiring other forms of medical treatment.

If it is felt that your condition can not be treated with acupuncture, you will be recommended to have a medical consultation with a GP or an appropriate specialist.

The treatment itself involves fine needles being inserted through the skin and briefly left in position. Sometimes manual or low voltage electrical stimulation is used to assist the process. The number of needles varies but may be only 2 or 3.

Certain individuals may feel very relaxed and sleepy with the first one or two treatments and it may be advisable to take care when driving, or when carrying out skilled tasks straight after acupuncture.