Acupuncture
At Chichester Physio, we offer acupuncture as part of our comprehensive approach to managing pain, promoting healing and improving overall well-being. Acupuncture is an ancient therapy that has been practiced for over 2,500 years in China and continues to be a highly effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. Whether you’re dealing with muscular pain, stress or chronic health issues, acupuncture can help restore balance in the body and bring relief to a variety of conditions.
What Is Acupuncture ?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. These points are part of a system known as meridians, which are pathways that help circulate energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”), throughout the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the balance of Qi is essential for health, and blockages or disruptions in its flow can lead to illness and discomfort.
The goal of acupuncture is to restore the flow of Qi, correcting imbalances and promoting natural healing. By targeting specific points along the body’s meridians, acupuncture helps to activate the body’s own healing mechanisms, offering relief from pain, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall health.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body that are believed to be connected to various organs, tissues, and systems. The insertion of thin needles at these points has several effects on the body:
- Improving Blood Flow: Acupuncture helps to enhance circulation, which promotes healing by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas.
- Releasing Endorphins: The insertion of needles triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, helping to reduce pain and improve overall well-being.
- Balancing the Nervous System: Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps to reduce stress, anxiety and other emotional imbalances.
- Reducing Inflammation: Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation in the body, making it especially beneficial for conditions like arthritis and muscle injuries.
Conditions Treated By Acupuncture
Acupuncture has a wide range of therapeutic benefits and can help with many conditions, both physical and emotional. At Chichester Physio, we use acupuncture to treat:
- Musculoskeletal Issues: Acupuncture is particularly effective for relieving back pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, stiff neck and tennis elbow. By targeting the pain pathways and reducing inflammation, acupuncture helps to alleviate discomfort and restore mobility.
- Muscle Strains: Whether it’s a pulled muscle or chronic muscle tension, acupuncture can reduce pain and promote healing, allowing you to recover faster and return to normal activities.
- Arthritis: Acupuncture helps reduce pain and inflammation in joints, providing relief for people with arthritis and improving joint mobility.
- Neurological Problems: Conditions like sciatica or nerve pain can benefit from acupuncture’s ability to stimulate circulation and reduce nerve irritation.
- Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it an excellent treatment for managing stress, anxiety and emotional imbalances.
- Respiratory Conditions: Acupuncture can be beneficial for asthma, improving breathing and helping to reduce symptoms.
- Digestive Issues: Conditions like indigestion, colitis and other gastrointestinal problems can be addressed with acupuncture, which helps to regulate the digestive system and improve overall function.
What To Expect From An Acupuncture Session
When you come for an acupuncture session at Chichester Physio, our acupuncture specialist, Tolis Sassanis, will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your condition and determine the best course of treatment. This may include:
- Consultation: Tolis will ask about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and any specific concerns you have. This helps to form a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
- Needle Insertion: During the session, very fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body. Most people find the experience to be relatively painless, with only a slight sensation of pressure or tingling as the needles are inserted.
- Relaxation: After the needles are inserted, you’ll typically lie quietly for about 20-30 minutes while the acupuncture points work to restore balance and encourage healing. Many people find this time to be deeply relaxing and it’s not uncommon to feel a sense of calm or even drowsiness after the session.
- Post-Treatment Advice: After the session, Tolis will offer advice on how to support your healing, which may include recommendations for lifestyle changes, diet, exercise or complementary treatments to enhance the effects of acupuncture.
Why Choose Acupuncture at Chichester Physio?
At Chichester Physio, we believe in a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare. Our acupuncture services are designed to complement other treatments and support your overall wellness goals. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to improve your emotional well-being, acupuncture offers a safe and effective solution.
Tolis Sassanis, our acupuncture specialist, has extensive training and experience in acupuncture, ensuring that each treatment is tailored to your specific needs. Tolis is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness through a blend of acupuncture and other evidence-based therapies.
Reclaim Your Function, Regain Your Confidence
Don’t let pain, limitation, or uncertainty dictate what you can do. At Chichester Physio Ltd, we believe in your ability to improve, adapt, and excel—no matter your starting point. Together, we’ll transform your recovery into a journey toward greater function, freedom, and fulfillment in your daily life. Contact us today to begin the partnership that will help you move better, feel stronger, and live your most active life.