During your initial consultation, you will be given the opportunity to talk confidentially and in depth about any health concerns you may have. The consultation will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete, as your acupuncturist will conduct a comprehensive assessment prior to treatment, which will include your medical history, diet, lifestyle, physical and emotional condition. Your pulse and tongue will also be examined for diagnostic purposes. This information will enable your practitioner to create a unique treatment protocol for you as an individual.
Acupuncture treatment consists of pre-sterilised, one use only, ultra-fine needles being inserted in specific acupuncture points and left for 20-30mins. Follow up sessions will last 45-60 minutes.
It is recommended that you have maintenance treatments if you suffer from a chronic condition or are prone to a recurrence of your symptoms. This helps to prevent illness and maintain good health.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practised in China and the Far East for thousands of years. During this time, the practice of acupuncture has been developed and refined, and is now recognised worldwide as a safe and effective form of medicine. The traditional Chinese system of acupuncture is based on the principle that the body is a self-healing organism that consists of a network of pathways, that regulate growth and healing, and circulate Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is the body’s vital energy that is circulated through its own pathways around, just as the blood circulates in arteries and veins. For optimum health and vitality, the body’s Qi must remain in a state of balance at all times.
If the flow of Qi is disrupted, due to physical trauma, poor nutrition or emotional stress, for example, illness may result. Just as the body naturally heals cuts and bruises, acupuncture stimulates the body’s own self-healing process to encourage health restoration. The gentle insertion of ultra-fine needles in specific acupuncture points on the surface of the skin allows the flow of Qi to rebalance, allowing symptoms to disappear and good health to be restored.
Who can benefit from Acupuncture?
The system of Acupuncture involves treating a person’s physical, mental and emotional health, not just their individual symptoms. So the diagnosis of a person’s condition can be quite complex, as the aim of treatment is to address the root cause of the condition, so that symptoms do not recur. Therefore, anyone can potentially benefit from acupuncture, not only to alleviate symptoms but as a means of preventing ill-health in the first place. Unlike some other forms of medicine, such as drug therapy which may have unpleasant side-effects, acupuncture works in harmony with the body and is one of the safest forms of medical treatment available.
Treatments may also be supplemented with cupping, moxibustion or electro-acupuncture. These are used to enhance stimulation of the body’s qi and if this is necessary for your treatment, a full explanation of the techniques will be given before proceeding.
Acupuncture FAQs
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes, all needles are pre-sterilised and disposable. The Code of Safe Practice is observed at all times during treatments. These guidelines have been set by the British Acupuncture Council and can be downloaded from their website at www.acupuncture.org.uk.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
You may feel a ‘tingly’ or numb sensation after the needles have been inserted, but it is not the same as injections or blood tests, as the acupuncture needles are very fine. Generally people feel relaxed during and after treatment.
Can I continue with my prescribed medication while receiving Acupuncture treatment?
Yes, you are able to continue with your prescribed medicine whilst undergoing acupuncture treatments. You may even be able to reduce or stop taking some forms of medication as a result of treatments, but you must consult your GP regarding any change to your prescription .
Are there any side effects?
You may feel al little tired or drowsy after treatment, or you may experience a flare up of your symptoms (healing crisis), as the Qi in your body settles. However, these ‘side effects’ are temporary and do not occur in all cases.
What should I wear for treatments?
Needles may be inserted in your legs, arms or abdomen, so make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing. Also, try not to eat anything for at least an hour before treatment, and avoid alcohol prior to your treatment.
What are meridians?
According to acupuncture the meridians, or ‘jing luo’ as they are known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are the invisible channels or pathways along which qi circulates throughout the whole body. The acupuncture points are the places in the body where the meridians are most accessible on the surface of the body.
How much does it cost for a treatment?
Please click on the “Book/Contact Us” heading to see a list of prices.
During your initial consultation, you will be given the opportunity to talk confidentially and in depth about any health concerns you may have. The consultation will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete, as your acupuncturist will conduct a comprehensive assessment prior to treatment, which will include your medical history, diet, lifestyle, physical and emotional condition. Your pulse and tongue will also be examined for diagnostic purposes. This information will enable your practitioner to create a unique treatment protocol for you as an individual.
Acupuncture treatment consists of pre-sterilised, one use only, ultra-fine needles being inserted in specific acupuncture points and left for 20-30mins. Follow up sessions will last 45-60 minutes.
It is recommended that you have maintenance treatments if you suffer from a chronic condition or are prone to a recurrence of your symptoms. This helps to prevent illness and maintain good health.
Is Acupuncture Safe?