Many
people come to acupuncture for pain relief, it is in fact used to treat
people with a wide range of illnesses. Its
focus is on improving the overall well being
of the patient For more inforamtion please do not hesitate to call.
In 2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended that acupuncture should be made available on the NHS, as a cost-effective short-term treatment for the management of early, persistent non-specific lower back pain.
For Further information on current scientific research into the effectiveness of acupuncture please visit The British Acupuncture Council Website.
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Traditional
acupuncture is a system of healing practised in China and
other eastern countries for thousands of years.
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment; it treats the whole person rather than symptoms in isolation.
Acupuncture approach understands that the root cause of
all pain and disease are Energy Blockages.
The flow of Qi can be disturbed by
a number of factors; • emotional states such as
anxiety • stress • anger • fear • grief • poor
nutrition • weather conditions •
hereditary factors • infections •
poisons and trauma.
Acupuncture seeks to alleviate symptoms and pain by assisting individuals to find balance in their lives. Top
Who
has Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is considered suitable
for all ages, including babies and children.
It can also be used alongside conventional medicine.
As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary
from one person to another. Top
Diagnosis
and Treatment
Traditional acupuncture involves a complex system of examination,diagnosis and treatment. The initial examination takes around
11/2 - 2 hours and involves collecting information on medical
history, lifestyle and assessing the condition of spirit, essence, energy, blood, fluids, organs and channels. When vital energy cannot
reach our organs and cells, toxins begin to accumulate in
the body and our immune system is unable to function effectively, we then become sick and emotionally, physically and psychologically,
out of balance.
There are also several specific diagnostic tests to ascertain
the body’s energetic balance, including pulse taking
and tongue reading which gives the practitioner detailed
information about the state of the qi energy within the
person, and helps with the detection of the energetic imbalances.
How
safe is it?
Acupuncture is a safe treatment
for all. The needles used are single use, sterile and disposable.
There may be a brief soreness or pulling sensation which means that your qi has connected with the needle.
A good treatment feels like being in “the zone” or a deep meditation asyour body moves back into balance. Top
How
does it work?
According to Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent
on the body’s motivating energy called Qi, (“chi”),
the vital life energy present in all living organisms. There are fourteen (14) main channels which can be described as rivers of energy (referred to as “qi” which means “vital energy”). The channels connect with each other and run through every part of the body.On the surface are the acupoints (over 365) which can be described as wells or vortexes which tap into these energy rivers. Each point has several functions. When the flow of Qi “chi” (Vital
Energy) is interrupted, the natural balance of our life
force is obstructed and stagnation in the body occurs.
The experience of having acupuncture is pleasant, relaxing and energizing. People who prefer
not to have needles can benefit from techniques like acupressure,
cupping, Tu ina massage, moxibustion, gua sha, ear seeds
etc. Top
What
happens when I go for treatment?
A consultation will be carried out,
and the acupuncturist will ask you about current symptoms,
what treatment you have received, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional
state. The acupuncturist is also likely to feel your pulses
on both wrists, and may ask to look at your tongue. Top
How
will you respond to treatment?
The response to treatment varies
from person to person. Some sensea greater well-being first
followed by improvement of their main complaint. Others
see immediate improvement, feel revitalised mentally and
physically, or relaxed and experience other more subtle
changes. In addition, the length of time that the condition
has been present can also be a factor in a person’s
recovery rate. Top
How
frequent will your treatment be?
Initially treatment
are weekly, and as your health improves the gap between treatments
increases, until you are only coming every few months to maintain
your new found health. However, frequency and lenght of treatment
depends on your individual condition. Some changes is usually
felt after five treatments, although occasionally only one
or two treatments are required. Some patients may need treatment
over several months. op
Children
And Acupuncture?
There are alternative tools and probes
that can be used for children who have a dislike for needles. Top
Should
my doctor know?
If you are receiving treatment from
your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about
your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment
may enable to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication,
but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change
or prescription. Top
Professional
standards
Practitioner is a member of the British
Acupuncture Council (BAcC) who maintain standards of education,
ethics and practice to ensure the healthy and safety of
the public. BAcC members are bound by the code of Ethics
covering confidentiality and are committed to providing
the highest standards of care as per the Code of Practice.
Members are also on a continues development programme. The
BAcC proved Professional indemnity and Public Liability
insurance for its members. Top
Can
I claim Private Health Insurance?
Many companies prove cover for acupuncturists
who are BAcC members. Cover is varied, so check with your
insurer for further details. Top |