What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest recorded forms of medicine having been used for over 3,000 years in China. The traditional Chinese view is that Qi flows freely when the body is in a healthy state. If there is a problem then the energy gets blocked and stagnates. So, by inserting small needles at specific acupuncture points on the body the stagnated Qi (energy) is released to flow freely.

On the first visit it is best to allow 1.5 to 2 hours as a full medical history and discussion about the patient’s health and general lifestyle will take place as well as the actual treatment. The acupuncturist will also look at the patients tongue, listen to their pulse on both wrists and take blood pressure readings, all of which will help the practitioner to make a diagnosis. This process will also enable the patient and practitioner to get to know each other before any treatment commences and to discuss the treatment plan. Follow up treatments will be shorter, approx 1 hr.

Needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points to increase or decrease the flow of Qi (energy) through that specific meridian thereby altering the state of energy in the body. There are several theories as to how the effects are produced. The important thing is that it does work and that any side effects are extremely rare.

Research has been able to show that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural pain relieving chemicals (endorphins). These assist the body to heal itself and gain pain relief. There is now increasing scientific evidence to support the effects of acupuncture.

We are trained to use the strictest hygiene and therefore only use pre-sterilised disposable needles.

Research has shown that 70% of people gain relief from pain with acupuncture. It does not work for everybody and every condition but, frequently, good results are achieved when more conventional medicine has failed. There is nothing spiritual about it and patients don’t need to believe in acupuncture for it to work. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, with a build up of effects as treatment progresses. Some people are particularly good responders while others may see little benefit until they have had a few treatments; this is more likely with a chronic condition. Occasionally, the condition may become slightly worse at first. This is not a bad sign as it usually means the condition will respond. Treatment aims to help the body balance itself and is not just for the relief of symptoms but for well-being of the whole person.

This is the most common question asked by patients when needles are used. When inserted, the fine needles give rise to a sensation which should only be a temporary mild discomfort at the most. At times a more intense sensation is experienced. This is thought to indicate the movement of Qi (energy) at the acupuncture point. 

Acupuncture can be used solely for many conditions or in conjunction with moxibustion &/or massage, especially for muscular skeletal conditions. As all the treatments here are holistic and complementary, then I would use any aspects of my training for the good of my patient. I often use relaxation and breathing techniques, together with Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, Acupressure, Massage, Chi-do Therapy (Hardiman methods), Tai Chi & Qigong movements & practices.  Each person is treated individually and each treatment is unique.

Acupuncture is good for treating many conditions e.g. stress related disorders, muscular tension, digestive problems (diverticulitis, IBS, hiatus hernia), sleep related problems, panic attacks, PMS, menopausal problems, headaches, muscular skeletal problems (including joint pain, arthritis, sciatica, lumbago etc) and many other conditions.  It is also good to have acupuncture simply for general well-being or for the experience

Dates for 2010 are yet to be arranged.