ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine practised in China for over 2000 years. Chinese medicine has a bank of knowledge allowing trained individuals to know what the body does in sickness and in health. As acupuncturists we therefore look for signs and symptoms that are part of an interconnected pattern. My training focuses on Five Element acupuncture, which also uses patterns that connect us to the seasons and how we relate to the world we see around us.
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Treatments are based on specific underlying diagnoses unique to the individual taking into account, age, conditions presented and lifestyle. Treatment involves inserting needless into specific points which are said to affect the flow of your body's vital energy or qi. Chinese pulse taking takes place throughout treatment and this allows us to work out how your body reacts to individual needles as well as helping decide direction of treatment.
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Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments currently on offer in the UK. Any minor side effects such as dizziness or bruising are infrequent, mild and self limiting. Please visit the British Acupuncture Council's website for further information (see below).
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BENEFITS
Many people find acupuncture relaxing and feel very calm during and after treatment; You may also feel tired or sleepy so if possible, try to arrange a relatively restful and quiet day, especially after your first treatment.
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A growing body of evidence - based clinical research is discovering how the body responds to acupuncture and its benefits for a wide range of common health conditions. Many people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains. Other people choose acupuncture when they feel their bodily functions are out of balance but have no obvious western medical diagnosis. Many also have regular treatments simply because they find it beneficial and relaxing.
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The British Acupuncture Council has done an excellent job of working through the swathes of research into the efficacy of acupuncture, and have a page on their website dedicated to informing the public. You can access it here or talk to a BAcC registered Acupuncturist.
CONSULTATION AND TREATMENT
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Treatments include discussion of your progress and your treatment to date. Ideally most people benefit from 4 - 6 weekly spaced treatments initially. This can be followed by a natural spacing thereafter, determined by response to treatment.
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Chinese medicine can be seen as a preventative medicine. Most people choose to have monthly or seasonal tune up treatments to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life better, as well as assisting them to live more fulfilling lives.
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