What is traditional Acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine that has been effectively used over several thousand years and has its origins in China and other Eastern countries.
From Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy, known as Qi or Chi - flowing through the body in a smooth and balanced way. When this vital energy becomes unbalanced, illness may result. The acupuncturist aims to bring harmony and balance back to the patient’s Qi. As this happens, the patient’s symptoms and overall health will improve.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis itself can take up to two hours, allowing the acupuncturist to assess your general health and to identify the underlying patterns of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.
You will be asked about your current symptoms, what other treatments you have received, your medical history, diet, digestive system, daily stresses, sleeping pattern and emotional state. Part of the diagnosis involves taking pulses on both wrists, and looking at your tongue. From this information, the most appropriate treatment can be selected to improve your complaint, and boost your energy and vitality.Treatments consist of inserting very fine needles into acupuncture points either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required.
What does it feel like?
Acupuncture needles are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests. When they are inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well-being, with reduced stress levels.
Commonly treated conditions
Muscles and Joints Respiratory
Back/joint pain Asthma
Muscle spasm Bronchitis
Arthritis/Bursitis Shortness of Breath
Tendonitis
Sports Injuries
Addictions Digestive system
Smoking Diarrhoea
Alcohol Indigestion
Drugs Constipation
Foods Epigastric pain
Colitis
Ulcers
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Ears/Nose/Throat Psychiatric
Dental pain Depression
Sinusitis Anxiety
Chronic Coughs Insomnia
Stress
Neurological Gynaecological - Urinary
Headaches P.M.S
Tremors Menopause
Post-Stroke Impotence
Chronic pain
Cardiovascular Dermatological
Blood Pressure Acne
Poor Circulation Herpes
Anaemia Eczema
Professional Standards
We are members of the British Acupuncture Council, who require all members to have achieved a demonstrable level of competence in Acupuncture, Clinical competence and Western Medical Sciences. All members are bound by the Society’s code of ethics, which covers relations with patients, fellow practitioners and the general public. Training lasts for a minimum of three years, and all our acupuncturists are fully insured.
A copy of the Code of Ethics is available from
British Acupuncture Council
63 Jeddo Road
London
W12 9HQ
