Background
Acupuncture works to help maintain your body’s equilibrium / harmony. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of ‘Qi’ (pronounced chee), your body’s vital energy. For a number of lifestyle and environmental reasons your Qi or vital energy can become disturbed, depleted or blocked, which can result in symptoms of pain and illness. These symptoms can be physical or emotional or both. Acupuncture can help restore balance and promote physical and emotional harmony.
Acupuncture originated in China and other far eastern cultures where it still features in mainstream healthcare, both as a stand-alone therapy and in combination with conventional western medicine.
I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and so I practice acupuncture based on Chinese medicine principles that have been developed, researched and refined for over 2,000 years.
How can Acupuncture help you?
Some people turn to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or condition, emotional or physical or both. Some people come because they are experiencing acute or chronic physical Pain, Anxiety, Worry, Digestive trouble, Menstrual symptoms, etc. Many people may bring me a diagnosis or a label name of an illness they have been given by a western doctor/consultant and this is a helpful start; however because I am treating the ‘whole’ person I will explore with you all the ways that this is manifesting in YOUR body and how you are experiencing specific symptoms which are presenting uniquely in you. Treatment is then aimed at the root of your condition, as well as your main symptoms. When the whole person is treated in this way, each patient’s treatment plan will be different and acupuncture is then effective in supporting a wide range of conditions.
Others choose to have treatment to help maintain good health, as a preventive measure, or simply to improve their general sense of well being. Many people return to acupuncture again and again because they find it so beneficial and relaxing.
Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies and children. It can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine.
If you would like to read more about research into any specific condition please visit the British Acupuncture Council website http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/category/a-to-z-of-conditions/a-to-z-of-conditions.html
What does Acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests. When the needle is inserted you may feel a tingling sensation or dull ache. Generally people feel very relaxed during the treatment.
Responses to treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness, and very occasionally minor bruising may occur. However, all such reactions are short-lived.
Generally people feel relaxed after treatment and are advised to take it easy for the remainder of that day and to avoid alcohol.
Should my doctor know?
If you have been prescribed medication it is recommended that you tell your doctor you are planning to have acupuncture. Do not stop taking your medication. You should always then mention in the initial medical questionnaire about any medication and supplements you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
I may at some point refer you back to your GP if I feel something needs further clarification. In addition, and with your consent, I am also happy to write to your GP to explain in further detail any relevant information arising from our treatment sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
Frequency and number of sessions depend on your individual condition, and usually how long you have had the condition. I will normally ask to see you once a week initially. Some change is usually felt within five or six treatments, although occasionally just one or two treatments are sufficient. Some people choose to have regular acupuncture to maintain good health.
Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture
The theory of Auricular therapy is that the ear represents the whole body, (actually the position of a curled up foetus in the womb, as in picture above). There are over 200 Acupuncture points on the ear alone. Stimulating some of the major points can bring deep relaxation to body and mind. They can be particularly effective in supporting stress and anxiety symptoms, and providing physical pain relief.
Small black seeds from the Vaccaria plant or alternatively small magnetised gold/silver ear pellets are secured on the ear with a piece of adhesive tape over specific ear acupuncture points. The seeds or magnets stimulate the point by exerting mild pressure. The patient can rub or press on them for an added effect, as and when they need, e.g. to help relieve stress, or physical pain in any moment. The whole body can be influenced by this form of ear acupressure, or ear acupuncture, much like foot reflexology affects a person’s entire body.
Auricular Acupuncture is normally done using needles; however If a patient is adverse to the use of needles, the application of these seeds or magnets as a stand alone treatment can be very effective.
They can remain on the ear for 3-5 days, providing a support between treatments, and will fall away themselves or can be removed by yourself (the patient) or someone else.