Acupuncture Treatment for Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates down the leg. The pain can appear from the buttock down and can affect either one or both legs. The cause of the pain may lie in the leg itself or most often the problem is caused by problems in the lower back.

By careful examining the location of the pain, the nature of the pain, (whether it is sharp or dull), and what factors can aggravate or relieve it, an appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be administered.

Acupuncture works by invigorating the flow of qi and blood throughout the area in order to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and promote the body’s own healing ability. Acupuncture can work to anaesthetize the area and reduce nerve sensitivity. With associated techniques of moxibustion and cupping the best results can often be achieved.

Moxibustion is the burning of moxa, (moxa is the Japanese for mugwart, a medicinal herb also well known in Western herbal medicine). The moxa is dried and pulverised, and then formed into small cones which are placed on the acupuncture point and lit with a taper. It is removed when the patient says the cones have become warm. Moxa cones, used with needles, are used to stimulate the acupuncture point in such a way as to connect to the energy flowing through the acupuncture channel and thereby helping the body to repair itself.