Information for New Patients.

What is Acupuncture?

The principle aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and the East for thousands of years. Although often prescribed as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat a wide range of illnesses. According to traditional Chinese philosophy our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy – known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) – flowing through a series of meridians (channels) throughout the body.

The flow of Qi can become disturbed by a number of factors, including emotional states, such as anxiety, stress, anger, poor nutrition, hereditary factors, environment, trauma and work. If the body’s energy becomes too imbalanced illness may result. The insertion of fine needles into the channels of energy, stimulates the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance.

What is Acupressure Massage?

This is frequently used in advance of an acupuncture treatment or as a ‘needle free’ alternative. The massage follows the meridian lines, gently removing knots of stagnation in muscle groups, thus stimulating the flow of Qi and Blood to the treated site. All manipulation is executed gradually to ensure comfort.

People experience different feelings at the end of each session. On the whole this is usually total relaxation followed by a feeling of well being and vitality.

Treatable Illnesses

Although acupuncture cannot help everyone, it can treat a very wide range of problems. In 1979 the World Health Organisation drew up a list of diseases that were responsive to acupuncture. These included:

Pain – joint and muscle
Bronchial asthma
Toothache
Conjunctivitis
Dysentry
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Neuralgia
Headache/migraine
Facial palsy
Consequence of stroke
Sciatica
Osteoarthritis
Bladder dysfunction
Acute sinusitis
Common cold
‘Acupuncture:The World Health Organisation View’
R.H.Bannerman
Clinical experience and research shows that acupuncture can also treat:
Gynaecological problems
Depression
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Allergies
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
M.E./Chronic Fatigue
Insomnia
Drug Addictions
Smoking
Dizziness

Also available Auricular Acupuncture (Ear Acupuncture and Seeds) and Electro-acupuncture.

Consultation

During your first visit you will be asked about the condition for which you are receiving treatment. You will be asked in some detail about your general health, medical history and lifestyle. It is also necessary to take your pulse and look at your tongue, as these provide additional, important diagnostic information and helps build a picture of the various energetic imbalances in your system.
How many treatments should you receive?

Acupuncture works with an individual’s energy to facilitate the body’s own natural healing. The rate at which a person responds to treatment depends on factors, such as age, lifestyle, length of time with condition. Expected number of treatments can therefore be difficult to predict, in which case a likely range is given, combined with lifestyle advice, regular reviews and reassessment.

Reactions to Acupuncture treatment

For most patients, an acupuncture treatment is relaxing and restful, leaving them slightly tired but with no significant side affects. On rare occasions, a patient may feel faint during or after needle insertion. If this happens the treatment is interrupted and the patient is kept comfortable until they feel all right again. Occasionally, an acupuncture point may bleed slightly (spot) after being needled and this stops within a second or two. Bruising is another rare side effect and should be mentioned at the clinic during the following visit.

Advice for preparation and after care

It is best to eat a light meal before coming for treatment. Since you may feel slightly tired after treatment it is best to avoid heavy exertion, large meals and very hot baths for the rest of the day. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol before and after acupuncture treatment.