Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of a larger system of medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM) which is rooted in thousands of years of knowledge and practice. Although the theory and techniques traditional acupuncturists use have remained largely unchanged, the practice of acupuncture has evolved to work alongside modern life and medicine.
Acupuncture is a very safe technique, and can be used by people of all ages and alongside other treatments or medication. There is a growing body of evidence to support how effective acupuncture can be for certain conditions.
To read more about acupuncture and the evidence which supports its’ effectiveness, you can visit the British Acupuncture Council’s website at www.acupuncture.org.uk
At your first appointment we’ll spend some time taking a history and talking about your treatment, and I’ll also look at your tongue and feel the pulses on your wrists to gather more information.
As well as using acupuncture, I sometimes use other techniques to enhance the effect of treatment
Moxibustion which is the burning of a herb (mugwort) over acupuncture points
Electroacupuncture, using a very low electrical current to stimulate the needles
Acupressure and other massage techniques
Auricular acupuncture to stimulate points on the ear
Cupping which is the use of small suction cups over areas of the body
People and conditions respond differently treatment, so it’s hard to predict how may appointments you may need until we meet. I usually recommend trying 3 sessions at weekly intervals if possible and hope to see positive change by then. After that we can plan for the future!