Acupuncture

While acupuncture is well known as an effective treatment for pain-relief, its scope is in fact much wider – see “Who has treatment”.

By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy known as “meridians”, the body's own healing response can be stimulated by a properly trained acupuncturist. Acupuncture can also boost the immune system.

Our active life force or “Qi” can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety or stress, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons, trauma or other factors. The principal aim of acupuncture is to recover the equilibrium in all aspects of the person.

→ Read a useful set of patients’ questions and answers.

Your first visit

Your first consultation will be longer than later ones – about an hour. This allows time for me to ask you about your present and past health so that I can make a diagnosis. I will also feel your pulse in three positions on both wrists and look at your tongue. These observations will give me important clues about your underlying health. A treatment can usually be fitted in also.

What will treatment be like?

You will be kept in a warm, comfortable position in a clean environment. I will describe the treatment to you in as much detail as you wish. Having acupuncture is relaxing. You may even fall asleep. There will normally be up to twelve very fine needles inserted. The depth is generally quite shallow.

There are about 500 points on the body, most having more than one type of action. I will use a selection that is specific to you. The needles are very fine and the sensation is much milder than you might expect. It can be a tingling, a dull ache or even little feeling at all.

The needles are usually left in place either for a second or two, or for 15 to 30 minutes. They can be close to the problem or at a distance. This is where the idea of the meridian channels comes into play. In addition to relief from symptoms, you may find that you gain a feeling of greater general well-being.

How many treatments will I need?

This is very individual to you and your presenting condition. A first course of 6 to 8 treatments is common but most people find an improvement sooner.