Acupuncture

The Chinese and other Eastern peoples have been using acupuncture to restore, promote and maintain good health for over 2,000 years. Stone needles were originally used, and later bronze, gold and silver needles.

 

Today traditional acupuncture is practiced all around the world and clinical trials are now confirming its efficacy. More and more people are able to benefit as traditional acupuncture becomes a recognized option within standard healthcare.

 

There has been a steady increase in the number of professionally trained practitioners in the UK, registered with The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).  Members of the BAcC are bound by strict Codes of Professional, Ethical and Hygienic Practice.

 

The British Medical Association; (Acupuncture: efficacy, safety and practice, 2000) now recognises both the efficacy of acupuncture, as well as the work which has been done within the profession to raise standards of training and practice.

 

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as Qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities - Yin and Yang - and when these become unbalanced, illness may result.

 

By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance.

 

The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma.

 

 

What to Expect

  • Each visit will last one hour.
  • Only pre-sterilised, disposable needles are used in this practice.
  • The consultation is entirely confidential.
  • It is advisable to refrain from eating a large meal, or drinking alcohol directly before and after treatment.
  • Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn, and you should be aware that I may need to access points on your torso as well as on your arms and legs.

 

During each consultation your general state of health will be assessed, in order to identify the underlying patterns of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment. You may be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received in the past; your medical history and that of your close family; your diet, digestive system; sleeping patterns and emotional state.

 

To discover how the Qi is flowing in your body, I the pulses on both of your wrists are examined, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. Examining the structure, colour and coating of your tongue also reveals valuable information about your overall health.

 

The aim of diagnosis is to discover which meridians and internal energetic structures (organs) need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall vitality. Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the most appropriate treatment can be selected. Stimulation of specific points on the skin affect the functioning of different bodily systems (respiration, digestion, blood circulation etc). However, these points may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your feet or hands.

 

The length of the course of your treatment may depend on a number of factors, most significant of which is how long you have had the complaint. It should also be noted that the amelioration of symptoms may only be the first stage to your recovery, and that long term visits for health maintenance may also be beneficial.

 

Prices for Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can be found by clicking here