Acupuncture
Acupuncture is based on principles which have evolved over nearly two thousand years. It works on the principle that illness and pain occur when the natural equilibrium of the body becomes out of balance. It recognises that physical, emotional and mental factors are all interdependent and part of the necessary balance for good health. By accessing channels which flow through the body acupuncture stimulates the natural healing process and restores equilibrium. The focus of treatment is based on the individual, not the illness, and the diagnosis is unique to each individual.
What happens in an acupuncture session?
In your first session, you will have an in-depth discussion about your condition and your health history. The practitioner will ask questions about all the systems in your body, your mental wellbeing, lifestyle and diet. She will then look at your tongue and feel pulses on your wrist. All this information is collated to form a Chinese Medicine diagnosis and to guide your practitioner.
You will then lie on the couch for the treatment which usually involves the insertion of very fine needles at acupoints around the body. Your treatment may also involve other traditional Chinese medicine techniques, including moxibustion, cupping, guasha, and dietary and lifestyle advice.
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MOXIBUSTION
A special herb burned on or near the body to warm the channels, relax the muscles and tonify the body. Patients often really enjoy this lovely treatment.
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GUASHA AND CUPPING
These are gentle suction or scraping techniques to encourage blood flow, reduce inflammation and expel pathogens. Used in both chronic and acute conditions.
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DIETARY THERAPY
Advice can be given on what foods are most suitable to your condition and any lifestyle adjustments which may help facilitate your recovery and general wellbeing.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
As more people experience first-hand the benefits of acupuncture, it is being increasingly recognised as a valid and effective treatment option for a range conditions.
Treatment is designed to affect the whole body not just your symptoms, so whatever the particular problem, you may notice other general health improvements and niggling complaints disappearing with a course of treatment.
Some people chose acupuncture when they feel their body is out of balance, but they have no obvious diagnosis. Once tried, many people have regular or ‘top-up ‘ treatments because they find it so beneficial and relaxing. For some conditions such as migraine regular treatment can prevent flare-ups from occurring. Another benefit of acupuncture is it can be given alongside other therapies and/or medications, in almost all circumstances.
Common reasons to see an acupuncturist:
Headaches
Chronic pain
Women’s health issues - including menstruation and menopause
Fertility and Pregnancy support
Children’s health
Anxiety and stress
Evidence that acupuncture works
There is a growing body of research that demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture for many conditions including: tension headaches, migraines, neck or back pain, osteoarthritis of the knee and temporomandibular joint pain
Here is a video produced by the British Acupuncture Council which highlights the evidence base for acupuncture.
Acupuncture is currently included in the NICE guidelines for chronic pain and headaches.
Further information about the research for specific conditions is available on the following platforms:
TESTIMONIALS
The Acupuncture team
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Charlotte Johnston
ACUPUNCTURIST
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Mim Lilley
ACUPUNCTURIST
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Guisi Pezzotta
ACUPUNCTURIST, HERBALIST
Have some questions? If you feel that you need to talk to a practitioner before you book an appointment to ask questions or have any queries about a specific condition please book a FREE 15 minute discovery call
Charlotte and Mim are both members of the British Acupuncture Council and the Hub of Paediatrics (HOPA) and have full insurance. If you have health insurance you may be able to claim back part or all of the cost of your acupuncture treatment.
