What is acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture forms a part of traditional Chinese Medicine in which the basis of diagnosis and treatment is that the mind and body should be in perfect balance. Originating in China, this ancient system of healing has developed over 2,500 years and today is widely used and accepted all over the world.
Traditional acupuncture is a gentle and effective treatment that focuses on helping the whole person, aiming to improve their entire health and wellbeing.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works on the belief that an energy called Qi circulates throughout the body. When we experience good health, this energy flows unobstructed along pathways in the body called meridians. Each meridian is believed to be connected to a specific organ system, and when energy flow is disrupted by a disease or injury, illness or pain occurs. Acupuncture is used to balance the flow of Qi and stimulate our body’s natural ability to heal.
What does acupuncture treat?
A lot of people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, TMJ (jaw pain), headaches, and lower back pain or for common problems such as an overactive bladder. Some pregnant women choose to have acupuncture throughout their pregnancy and others use it just to keep their body in balance when things feel not quite right.
Traditional acupuncture forms a part of traditional Chinese Medicine in which the basis of diagnosis and treatment is that the mind and body should be in perfect balance. Originating in China, this ancient system of healing has developed over 2,500 years and today is widely used and accepted all over the world.
Traditional acupuncture is a gentle and effective treatment that focuses on helping the whole person, aiming to improve their entire health and wellbeing.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works on the belief that an energy called Qi circulates throughout the body. When we experience good health, this energy flows unobstructed along pathways in the body called meridians. Each meridian is believed to be connected to a specific organ system, and when energy flow is disrupted by a disease or injury, illness or pain occurs. Acupuncture is used to balance the flow of Qi and stimulate our body’s natural ability to heal.
What does acupuncture treat?
A lot of people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, TMJ (jaw pain), headaches, and lower back pain or for common problems such as an overactive bladder. Some pregnant women choose to have acupuncture throughout their pregnancy and others use it just to keep their body in balance when things feel not quite right.
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The treatment itself
During your initial visit, which takes about one hour and thirty minutes, a full diagnostic consultation including questions about your medical history and all aspects of your health and well-being will be carried out. Your pulses will be taken on both wrists and your tongue examined. This information will enable me to create an individual treatment plan including lifestyle and dietary advice including acupuncture. Ultra-fine, sterile needles will then be placed gently into various points on the body along the meridians to clear blockages and encourage the normal flow of Qi through the patient. I may also stimulate the points using other methods including cupping, electro-acupuncture stimulation, moxibustion and guasha for the Qi flow to return to normal. |
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What does Acupuncture feel like and how will I feel after the treatment?
Because the needles are so fine, most people don’t feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a tingling or dull ache once the needles are in which is when the needle is adjusted to direct Qi. They are usually left in for up to 20 minutes. For most people, the experience is very relaxing.
After the treatment, you usually feel calm and relaxed and in some cases tired. You may experience a small bruise at the site of a needle.
How many treatments will I need?
Weekly treatments are advisable to begin with however, different people respond in different ways so the number of treatments may vary. I will be able to tell you at the first treatment how many may be required.
For factsheets on the latest research regarding conditions that acupuncture can treat, click here.
Preparation for treatment
To get the most out of your treatment, I would recommend that you do not come in on an empty stomach or have a large meal before your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulses or you may need to lie on your stomach.
You should also avoid caffeine or alcohol, we want to make you feel relaxed and calm so avoid stimulants before and after the treatment. It is also a good idea to wear loose fitting clothing where possible so the points are easily accessible.
Is it Safe?
I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council and have undergone extensive training in Acupuncture and Biomedical Sciences, appropriate to the practice of Acupuncture in the UK. Codes of Safe Practice, Ethics and Disciplinary Procedures, approved by the Department of Health, ensure professionalism and safety. Members are covered by full Medical Malpractice and Public Liability Insurance.
All needles, where used, are pre-sterilised, single use and disposable to provide protection against infectious disease.
Should I tell my Doctor?
If you are already receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have Acupuncture. You should always tell your Acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to Acupuncture treatment.
Because the needles are so fine, most people don’t feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a tingling or dull ache once the needles are in which is when the needle is adjusted to direct Qi. They are usually left in for up to 20 minutes. For most people, the experience is very relaxing.
After the treatment, you usually feel calm and relaxed and in some cases tired. You may experience a small bruise at the site of a needle.
How many treatments will I need?
Weekly treatments are advisable to begin with however, different people respond in different ways so the number of treatments may vary. I will be able to tell you at the first treatment how many may be required.
For factsheets on the latest research regarding conditions that acupuncture can treat, click here.
Preparation for treatment
To get the most out of your treatment, I would recommend that you do not come in on an empty stomach or have a large meal before your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulses or you may need to lie on your stomach.
You should also avoid caffeine or alcohol, we want to make you feel relaxed and calm so avoid stimulants before and after the treatment. It is also a good idea to wear loose fitting clothing where possible so the points are easily accessible.
Is it Safe?
I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council and have undergone extensive training in Acupuncture and Biomedical Sciences, appropriate to the practice of Acupuncture in the UK. Codes of Safe Practice, Ethics and Disciplinary Procedures, approved by the Department of Health, ensure professionalism and safety. Members are covered by full Medical Malpractice and Public Liability Insurance.
All needles, where used, are pre-sterilised, single use and disposable to provide protection against infectious disease.
Should I tell my Doctor?
If you are already receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have Acupuncture. You should always tell your Acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to Acupuncture treatment.
