What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine, which has successfully maintained the health of more than ¼ the world's population for the last 3,000 years.

Its effectiveness lies in its ability to address simultaneously the root cause of disease and treat its manifesting symptoms. Throughout history medical practitioners have understood this principle to be fundamental to the health of their patients.

How does it work?

Acupuncture works by careful manipulation of the patient's internal network of channels (meridians) by using tiny disposable, hair-like filaments and / or  massage, at prescribed meridian points, encouraging the acceleration of the body's healing process and restoring the patient to a state of renewed health.

Does it hurt?

All the acupuncture filaments used in the practice are sterilised and disposable. Being ‘hair-like' in thickness, most patients don't even notice their insertion! A small electrical sensation or a dull ache may be felt upon activation of the acupuncture point but it certainly isn't painful.

When employing massage techniques special care is taken to ensure the correct amount of pressure is applied in accordance with the health of the patient. All needles are used once only and then safely stored for incineration. Acupuncture is a clean, safe and highly effective natural medicine. 

Which conditions will acupuncture treat?

Sexual Health

Circulatory Disease

Angina, Abnormal Heart Beat, High / Low Blood Pressure.

What will happen to me?

Your initial visit will last for up to 2 hours where information will be gathered about your main ailment and any other difficulties you may have regarding your health and well- being.

An in depth analysis of your pulse and tongue will then be made and blood pressure may also be recorded.  For acupuncture practitioners the pulse and tongue provide a wealth of information about a patient's health and act as invaluable diagnostic tools.  Both pulse and tongue are monitored regularly throughout the course of treatment enabling the practitioner to assess treatment progress.

A detoxification treatment is then usually performed using meridian points on your back to assess & disperse the presence of any toxins which may cause a block to treatment. Acupuncture filaments are carefully positioned into the prescribed meridian points and in some cases may be left for up to 20 minutes while you relax on the treatment couch. 

Pulse diagnosis throughout this period will relay how well treatment is progressing.

Subsequent treatments

These will last between 45 minutes and 50 minutes. After approximately 6 treatments we will be in an excellent position to evaluate how acupuncture treatment is progressing for you.  By this stage you will know the extent to which your  treatments are having a positive effect. 

Some long standing complaints may require a greater number of treatments since it is unlikely that an illness which has developed and progressed over many years will be cured overnight. In such cases we expect a steady diminishing of symptoms coupled with a greater sense of well-being as treatment progresses.

Training

I am qualified from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine where all graduate practitioners are required to accumulate some 3,500 hours of training and clinical experience.  I integrate both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Five Element Chinese Medicine, affording my patients deeper, wider & more comprehensive diagnoses & treatment.

Western Medicine

I have a solid understanding of conventional medical science allowing me to recognise when problems are best dealt with; by or alongside a doctor. As a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) I am fully insured and committed to abide by codes of practice & ethics laid down by the BAcC.