What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, but has only recently started to become integrated into western medicine. Acupuncture is the science of puncturing the skin with needles in order to treat disease.

For a long time acupuncture has existed as part of traditional Chinese medicine, an ancient and esoteric system of medicine involving energy flowing around the body in channels. 

What problems can acupuncture help and not help?

There is now reasonably good scientific evidence for acupuncture's effectiveness in relieving pain in arthritis, for example of the knee, as well as chronic back pain. It may also be useful in many other painful conditions, including migraine and some sports injuries.

What does acupuncture involve?

You are likely to have a number of needles, typically between four and ten, but possibly only one, inserted into your skin from half a centimetre up to several centimetres in depth. They are traditionally left in for 10-30 minutes, but some practitioners leave the needles in for only a few seconds.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and do not hurt in the same way as an injection. Manual twirling or a small electrical current (electro acupuncture) may be used to stimulate the needles.

What should I do next if I want a bone check-up at Progress?

Insured Patients
Simply visit your GP and ask them to refer you to Professor Cathy Speed at Progress. Your GP will write a letter of referral and then you can contact us on 01223 200580 to arrange your first appointment. Please check with your insurer that the treatment will be covered under your policy.

Self Pay Patients
For self-pay treatments, simply call us on 01223 200580 to request a guide price or to discuss your personal situation. Professor Speed accepts self-referrals without the need to visit your GP.