Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine over 2000 years old which encourages optimal health and vitality, improved strength, energy and a boost to the immune system.

Acupuncture works on the premise that good health is maintained by a body functioning as a whole system, which provides a natural balanced flow of energy. This flow of energy (often referred to as Qi) can be thought of as how well you fight off infections, gain nourishment from food and have enough physical energy to maintain a happy and well rounded lifestyle.

Ill health can be thought of as arising when the natural flow of energy becomes blocked or compromised due to the physical and mental strains we take on in today’s modern world, leading to any number of illnesses or simply a sense of “not feeling quite right”. Acupuncture uses gentle manipulation at specific points to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, helping it return to a more balanced state.

Acupuncture views each person individually and holistically, focusing on you rather than just your illness, seeing all the symptoms in relation to each other and addressing the underlying root cause. Thus each person is unique and two people with the same western diagnosis may well receive different acupuncture treatments.

A person receiving acupuncture will often report noticing an improvement in symptoms and an increased sense of well-being. Many people also notice positive changes that they do not initially see as “connected” with their original problem. For example, better sleep patterns, feeling more relaxed, increased vitality and confidence or they may comment that they seem to be able to deal with the stresses that life throws at them with more ease.

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, health is dependent on Qi (pronounced chi) energy. Qi is constantly moving through the body and governs all essential life activities, spiritual, emotional and mental, as well as physical. Our bodies have 12 major meridian-paths that our qi takes. Qi allegedly consists of opposing forces known as Yin And Yang which need to be in the right balance so that harmony is achieved. It is re-balancing the yin and yang in the body to achieve harmony that is the basis of healing.

If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, illness may occur.

Needles are inserted into points on these channels in order to correct the flow of Qi and promote the body’s own healing response. Recent research suggests that acupuncture may stimulate the release of pain-relieving hormones/chemicals. It may also affect the functioning of internal organs via the nervous system.

Acupuncture can play an important role in the reduction or elimination of pain by reducing recovery time and preventing a chronic condition from developing. Acupuncture relieves muscle spasm this helps to restore normal movement to the joints and the spine, vital to hasten recovery. Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and promote the production of natural endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins relieve pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle.

And if pain can be significantly reduced with acupuncture, it also lowers the need for painkillers or other medications that can either cause unwanted side effects or prolong a patient’s condition.

This initial consultation allows for me to tailor treatment to you personally. Treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into various areas of the body which modulate the functioning of the nervous system. Sometimes needles are left in the body for 15-20 minutes and sometimes the body is stimulated and the needles immediately withdrawn.

Many patients find treatment to be deeply relaxing and will often leave feeling calm, peaceful, and in many cases more energised. After the initial consultation, patients will often attend for a series of follow up treatments. The number and frequency of which will depend upon the patient and their condition.

Treatments may also include some massage, cupping, moxibustion, auricular acupuncture, Korean hand therapy/Acupuncture or reflexology.

Your first session will last longer than subsequent sessions as I will be gathering all the information necessary for a full health assessment.
A typical treatment will involve the insertion of very fine acupuncture needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. The needles may be inserted for a few seconds or left in place for several minutes. A common description of being needled is that of a “dull ache” or “tingling” sensation and can vary to each individual.
Your pulses will be felt frequently during your treatment to monitor the effect of the acupuncture so that your treatment may be adjusted as required. Where appropriate, dietary or lifestyle advice may be given to compliment and strengthen the effect of your acupuncture treatment.

Each person is unique, therefore each treatment plan is tailored to the specific needs of each patient. The frequency and length of treatment can vary, but as a very rough guide, most people will require treatment once a week at first, with each session lasting between 30-60 minutes. As your health returns, the frequency of your treatments can be reduced.

Different people respond to treatment in different ways. Some people are quick to respond to treatment and notice dramatic changes in their health, others notice more gradual changes and require treatment over several months. Some people feel the need to come for treatment only during stressful periods or simply for preventative maintenance.
There are frequent offers to help lower the cost of treatments. Also, ask about our referral scheme.

If you are under the care of a doctor I would always recommend that you inform them about your plans to have acupuncture. In certain circumstances, the acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even cease some forms of medication you may be taking. This should always be in conjunction with the guidance of your doctor. You should always tell me about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.