Acupuncture is a treatment that can relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions, and may encourage the patient’s body to heal and repair itself, if it is able to do so.

The treatment involves fine needles being inserted through the skin and briefly left in position. These needles stimulate the nerves in skin, muscles and other tissues, and can produce a variety of effects such as increasing the release of the body’s natural painkillers including endorphins and serotonin in the pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain.

Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing after treatment. The number of needles varies from as few as two. Treatments are initially given weekly, then at longer intervals as the condition responds. A typical course of treatment lasts five to eight sessions.

Acupuncture is effective in a wide range of painful conditions and is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal pain, for example in the back, neck, shoulder and leg. It has been used successfully in the treatment of headaches, migraines, trapped nerves, chronic muscle strain, sports injuries and various kinds of rheumatic and arthritic pain.

Before carrying out a course of acupuncture, Dr Olisa will assess you to ensure that there is no potentially serious condition which may require other forms of treatment.