Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of complementary medicine in which fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points along what are considered to be lines of energy (meridians), used in the treatment of various physical and mental conditions. It is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine – a tried and tested healthcare system that has been practised for thousands of years in China and the Far East. Over centuries it has been developed, tested, and refined to give us a complex and detailed understanding of the body's energetic balance. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy chi (CHEE) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. Meridians are open or closed, if they are closed or not functioning correctly there are painful on palpation or touch. When they are open pain is greatly reduced.   So, through palpation the acupuncturist can make a diagnosis for the acupuncture point. Once the meridians are open this will allow chi to flow and start the healing process. The majority of patients notice a change in their symptoms after the first session.

Acupuncture can treat many types of health conditions. Most often it is used to relieve acute or chronic conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Back pain neck pain or muscle pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Knee pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Sports injuries
• Face pain and other nerve discomfort
• Immune system problems
• Infertility
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Menopause and hot flashes
• Pregnancy discomforts
• Repetitive strain disorders and overuse syndrome

When a qualified professional performs acupuncture, it has very few complications or side effects. Occasionally patients may experience:

• Bruising at the site of needle
• Feeling faint
• Pain may increase over the next few days

Acupuncture has a calming effect on some patients, you may want to get a ride home from your first appointment if that’s not possible, try to rest for five to 10 minutes if you have to drive home.

This can only be determined and discussed after your first consultation and examination.
On average patients can expect between 2-6 treatments. However, most patients will respond on their first treatment. Treatments are normally weekly.

If acupuncture is given by a qualified therapist, you should be able to donate blood as normal.

If you have a bleeding disorder, such as haemophilia, have a metal allergy or an infection in the area where needles may be inserted then acupuncture is also not usually advised. It's generally safe to have acupuncture when you're pregnant.

Patients will be referred for further investigation or another therapy if your practitioner feels it necessary to do so. Referral letters will be charged at a reasonable rate and discussed with you prior to sending.

Stacy Chaitoo

£45.00 - First consultation and treatment

£45.00 - Follow up treatments