What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture forms part of Chinese Medicine, one of the most ancient medical systems in the world. The strength of Acupuncture lies in its ability to bring overall balance back to the body and thereby restore health in a natural and non-invasive way. Thanks greatly to its effectiveness, Acupuncture is now one of the fastest growing complementary therapies in the West with approximately 4 million acupuncture treatments carried out in the UK each year.
How does it work?
Health and vitality follow on naturally from the balanced functioning of all parts of the body as one interrelated whole. The energy that forms the basis for this is known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). Emotional or physical stress, poor nutrition, infection and injury can all lead to blockages or deficiencies in the flow of this vital energy causing imbalance on some level in the body.
This imbalance manifests as pain or illness impacting the quality and experience of our everyday lives. With the insertion of very fine needles into points along meridians of the body, Acupuncture releases such blockages and brings the Qi back into balance so that health can be restored.
“The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”
— Hippocrates
How can Acupuncture help you?
Thanks to its ability to address underlying imbalances in the body, Acupuncture treatment can be used to relieve a wide range of conditions. The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) compiles and provides the latest research and evidence-based facts about the effectiveness of Acupuncture in treating common conditions including:
What does treatment involve?
In order to achieve a holistic picture of your health and develop a comprehensive treatment plan we will carry out a full diagnosis at your first session during which we will discuss the details of your symptoms, your general health, lifestyle and your goals and expectations for treatment. I will also ask to look at your tongue and take your pulse as these provide important diagnostic information that inform the treatment process. Following this diagnostic stage we will carry out your first treatment during which extremely fine, single-use, sterile needles are inserted into acupuncture points.
Gentle manipulation of the needles stimulates the body’s natural healing response helping to return it to a more balanced state. After the needles are inserted you may briefly feel a dull ache or tingling sensation which normally disappears quickly. Many people who don’t like needles have reported that they are surprised they feel almost nothing when needles are inserted and instead feel comfortable and relaxed.
During follow up treatments we will discuss any progress or changes since your previous session and then carry out the appropriate treatment. I may also suggest lifestyle and dietary changes that can be of benefit to you and discuss how you can integrate them effectively into your routine.
Additional Techniques
In addition to needling, the following Chinese Medicine techniques may be employed to enhance your acupuncture treatment:
Moxibustion
Indirect heat is applied using therapeutic herbs known as Moxa to warm energy meridians and stimulate the flow of blood and Qi.
Guasha
A scraping tool is used to vigorously rub the skin in order to stimulate blood flow and clear blockages of Qi.
Cupping
Glass cups are used with a vacuum seal to stimulate blood flow and clear blockages of Qi.