>>> Acupuncture <<<

Acupuncture originates from traditional oriental medicine, and in recent years has become one of the core complementary therapies on offer in the UK. It involves the gentle insertion of hair fine needles into certain very specific points, to stimulate the body's healing energy. Acupuncture is a safe, reliable and effective method of treatment for many conditions of mental, emotional and physical origin.

Health and disease

Chinese medicine regards health as a dynamic equilibrium of energies. A healthy person can adapt to continuous demands and changes both internally and externally. When the balance cannot naturally be restored disease occurs. Acupuncture helps to restore the underlying balance of energy, thus resolving the symptoms of disease. Acupuncture is also used as a preventative and maintenance medicine.

Imbalance or illness arises from a complex combination of factors. These can be divided into broad categories, all of which will be assessed by the acupuncturist when dealing with the presenting complaint.

Hereditary/Constitution: Traits which to a certain extent determine the limits of one's health.

State of Mind/Emotions: stress, worry, anxiety, fear, resentment, anger, grief - each emotion has a specific effect on the balance of health.

Diet: the poor quality and low nutritive value of processed food is an important cause of disease. Irregular eating and ones state of mind whilst eating are also important factors that can lead to illness.

External Conditions: environmental conditions such as wind, heat, cold, damp, and dryness are common causal factors of disease.

Trauma: injuries at all levels - physical, emotional and mental.

Drugs: From coffee, alcohol and "pleasure" drugs, to some medicinal drugs with their unwelcome side effects. The use of medical drugs can often be reduced as acupuncture treatment progresses.

General Questions

How many treatments do I need?

In general the older the illness, the longer the patient will need treatment. So patients should not expect miracles. Also since every person is treated as a unique individual, it is not possible to forecast exactly the duration of the treatment; this depends on the reaction to the treatment itself.

Is it Safe?

All members of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC) are obliged to observe a code of practice that lays down stringent standards of hygiene and equipment safety. These procedures have been approved by the Dept of Health. Patients who have received acupuncture from an MBAcC practitioner are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service.

What should one do or not do after treatment?

On the day of the treatment it is advisable to avoid heavy physical work, excessive excitement or stress. This applies especially in the case of the first treatment. Otherwise no special precautions are necessary.

What reaction can one expect?

You may experience an immediate improvement in your condition, or there may be a slow progressive improvement. Occasionally there may be an initial worsening of symptoms for a short period followed by a marked improvement.