An introduction to Acupuncture...

Acupuncture is an ancient art and has been practised in China for hundreds of years. It was first introduced into Europe in the seventeenth century but its popularity has grown in the UK since the 1970s.

Acupuncture involves gently piercing the skin with extremely fine needles in specific sites on the body. The traditional acupuncture points where the needles are placed run in lines along the body & these are known as meridian lines. Up to 50 traditional points can be found on each meridian. The meridians are usually paired symmetrically on the left and right of the body.

I practice western medical acupuncture as taught and regulated by the British Medical Acupuncture Society. Treatment is dependant on the diagnosis and I use traditional acupuncture points based on the meridian line concept. I also treat tender spots and tight bands in muscles, sometimes known as trigger points, with acupuncture. The needles remain in the skin for a time between a few minutes and half an hour. This is dependant on the problem. Treatment can sometimes involve the use of an electroacupuncture machine.

What can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat many medical problems but I mainly treat conditions of the muscles and bones. The most common conditions I treat are back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, osteoarthritis of the knee and hip and muscular strains. I have also treated people for addictions, particularly smoking using acupuncture as part of the process.

What will happen at my appointment?

Your first appointments can last for up to an hour. You are welcome to bring a relative or friend with you if you wish. Follow up appointments last up to half an hour.

Initially I will ask you lots of questions about your problem e.g. how long its been there, what makes it worse, and how it interferes with your life. I will also ask some general questions about your health. Then I will carry out a thorough examination. This will include assessment of posture and full examination of joints and muscles. In order to obtain an accurate diagnosis you may be asked to undress to your underwear but gowns are always available. From there we can begin to work out an individual treatment programme for you.

The fine needles are gently and carefully inserted into the skin at appropriate points that have been identified during the examination. Some of these may in fact be a long way from the affected area but will relate to the appropriate meridian line for that part of the body.

How many sessions will it take?

Most problems will require between 5 and 7 sessions of treatment. For best results these appointments should be about a week apart. You should notice a difference after 2 to 3 sessions. As the treatments progress and the condition improves the body changes. Some of the acupuncture needles will need to be inserted at different points to accommodate this.

My Philosophy

I will seek to incorporate my knowledge and experience of acupuncture, osteopathy and traditional medicine to create a unique treatment programme for each individual. This means often using a combination of these disciplines to offer a comprehensive and individual service.