What is it?

The practice of Acupuncture began with the discovery that the stimulation of certain areas of the body affected the functioning of the internal organs. Thus evolved a system of holistic healing - treating the person as a whole rather than just the symptom. It is effective in a wide variety of physical and emotional conditions through its power to stimulate our own healing responses. This overall therapeutic effect is one of it's great strengths.

Who benefits? 

A wide variety of people come for treatment ranging from children to the elderly. A lot of people are now coming for acupuncture as their first choice of treatment whilst others find it extremely beneficial to be used in combination with other forms of treatment or where other treatments have been unsuccessful. As well as seeking help for physical problems, many people come with stress related disorders and the effects of mental and emotional conflicts in their lives. Traditional acupuncture affects the whole person - body, mind and spirit - and will therefore help a very wide range of different health problems.

SYMPTOMS

Acupuncture is now a recognised form of treatment by The World Health Organisation of the United Nations, and has listed the following conditions for which it considers Acupuncture an appropriate form of treatment.

In addition, clinical practise and research has shown the effectiveness of Acupuncture in helping the following:

What happens in a session?

For the initial session, up to 90 minutes should be allowed. During the session the practitioner will gather information about your medical and family history, your lifestyle, how your various systems function (e.g; sleep, appetite) and your present condition. Subsequent treatments last up to 1 hour.

Acupuncture treatment re-establishes the balance of energy within the individual and builds up the bodies natural immune system. Very fine stainless steel disposable needles are inserted into acupuncture points to achieve this. The needles are very fine, and are unlike those used for injections. Sometimes a slight scratch is felt when the needle is inserted. When the needle reaches the acupuncture point  about 4-5 mm below the skin's surface - there is another sensation, often described as a tingle or dull ache. It is rarely described as very painful, and lasts for only a second or two.

THE EFFECT

Directed at restoring the overall energy balance acupuncture treats the underlying condition and as a result will help the patient feel better in themselves. Frequently patients will develop increased energy and vitality, greater confidence, better sleep patterns, more normal appetite and therefore a greater enjoyment of life overall.

Books & Information

Acupuncture - P. Mole

British Acupuncture Society
The Tradition Acupuncture Society
The Ridgeway, Stratford Upon Avon
Warwickshire CV37 9JL