Our osteopaths are trained in medical acupuncture, also called dry needling. This is similar to, but not the same as, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture.

In dry needling, fine surgical steel needles are inserted in order to relieve tension in the myofascial system, the muscular and connective tissues that make up the body. By releasing trigger points in one area, it helps relieve tension in related areas.

Dry needling also stimulates local blood flow and helps relieve pain. The needles are usually left in for a few seconds to a few minutes and are not normally painful.

In TCM, the philosophy is that the body contains lines (or meridians) of flowing energy, known as chi. Chi is thought to be a kind of life force and it is believed that blockages in these energy lines can affect the health. By removing these blockages using the strategic positioning of acupuncture needles, these blockages can be removed and health then follows.

Where medical acupuncture is usually used to relieve pain and muscle tension, Chinese acupuncture is used for a variety of other health concerns. We do have a network of other therapists, including a TCM practitioner, so if you would like to see one, just ask.