Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine that relieves pain, eases tension and restores balance. Since starting practice in 1997 I have worked hard to make my needling as gentle as possible. The needles are incredibly fine and the Japanese insertion techniques mean that there is little or no sensation.
What is acupuncture good for?
Acupuncture is a system for restoring balance; physically, mentally and emotionally. It is also extremely effective in the treatment of specific physical complaints
it is particularly effective for:
- Pain, including back, neck, knees, sciatica, carpal tunnel, RSI, sports injuries, whiplash, arthritis, gout
- Headaches / migraines, chronic and acuteHormonal imbalances / PMS – pain, irregular flow, infertility, libido, menopause
- Fertility for both men and women
- Emotional conditions e.g. stress, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia
- Addictions e.g. smoking, food, drink, substance
- Digestion including IBS, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, irregular appetite
- Energy levels, lethargy, hyperactivity, physical, emotional
- Allergies, like hay fever, sinusitis, food
The origins of acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine that focuses on the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Its aim is to help each patient function at their optimum level of health: physically, mentally and emotionally.
According to Chinese medicine, every physical ailment is caused by an energy imbalance within the body. This energy – known as ‘Qi’ – flows through a series of meridians (channels) all over the body and can be accessed via hundreds of specific acu-points. By needling these points, obstructions in the flow of Qi can be unblocked and balance restored. The scientific explanation is that needling acu-points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain, to reduce our experience of pain and influence the body’s own internal regulating system. Either way, acupuncture is now recognised in the West as one of the most effective methods of treating back pain and headaches – as well as a whole variety of emotional and psychological complaints.
As relevant today as it’s always been
Although acupuncture traces its roots back more than 2,000 years, it is just as relevant now as it ever has been. For those of us living busy modern lives in the West, acupuncture provides the perfect respite for conditions associated with stress and its negative effects on the body and mind. Insomnia, IBS, anxiety, depression, substance addictions and headaches – all symptoms of the stressful world we live in – can all be effectively treated by acupuncture.
My approach
There is a common misconception that acupuncture is a strange ‘alternative’ or ‘hippy-ish’ practice when actually it is a practical, simple and functional system of medicine. My approach is to address a patient’s condition quickly, efficiently and painlessly. If we are on the right track, then I expect positive changes to occur quickly. I’m not interested in treating people again and again with no improvement. To find out more about me see my story.
Does it hurt?
The other concern people often have is that needling is painful. After my own early experiences of some ‘uncomfortable’ acupuncture treatments in China, I have worked hard over the years to develop a needle technique with little or no sensation, but maximum therapeutic effect.
