Acupuncture involves stimulation of sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles, as a result of this stimulation, the body produces natural substances, such as endorphins that can relieve pain. It's believed that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture.
Traditional acupuncture that Prof Dr Egin Can is practising, is based on the belief that an energy, or "life force", known as Qi (pronounced "chee"), flows through the body in channels called meridians.
Traditional acupuncture practitioners believe that obstacles in the flow of Qi affect wellbeing and can cause illness. Acupuncture, however, can restore the flow of Qi, and so restore health.
Uses of acupuncture
Acupuncture practitioners or acupuncturists treat a wide range of health conditions. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines for the NHS on the use of treatments and care of patients and recommends acupuncture for conditions such as chronic tension-type headaches, migraines, chronic pain, such as neck pain, joint pain, dental pain, postoperative pain.
What is the Cost of Acupuncture?
The cost of acupuncture at Sonoworld is very affordable with prices starting as low as £40 per treatment.
How acupuncture is performed
An acupuncture session usually lasts around 20 minutes to 1 hour and involves an assessment of your general health, medical history and a physical examination, followed by insertion of the acupuncture needles.
Courses of treatment often involve several separate sessions. Prof Dr Zhang will be able to advise you regarding the course of treatment you need to improve your symptoms and well being.
Insertion of the needles
The acupuncture needles are inserted into specific places on the body depending on the treated conditions and symptoms, these are the acupuncture points.
During the session, you'll usually sit or lie down and asked to remove some clothes so the acupuncturist can access certain parts of your body.
The needles used are very fine, single-use and sterilised that are disposed of immediately after use.
The needles may be inserted just a few mm under the skin, or deeper to reach the muscle. The needles are left in place for a certain amount of time time that might be up to 30 minutes. Some tingling or a dull ache is normal but you should not experience pain.