ACUPUNCTURE
EXPLAINED

TCM is a safe form of medicine, used alone or with Western medicine. As a doctor, I am comfortable with both models, and will liaise with your GP where appropriate.

TCM is appropriate for any age group. It can reduce symptoms of acute or chronic problems affecting the physical body, emotions or the spirit (feeling flat or tired). A great side-effect of acupuncture is increased energy and a lifting of mood.

It is valuable in the three months prior to conception and can be used throughout pregnancy. It can be used to treat addictions to food, alcohol, smoking or drugs.

TCM is preventative medicine that strengthens your immune system, particularly at the changes of season when colds and flu are common.

TCM can help us to understand patterns of behaviour and thought that no longer serve us. Once we start to shift our focus onto things that make us feel good, life begins to improve.

I particularly enjoy using acupuncture as a support system for those who are on a journey of self discovery or awareness, or anyone wanting to feel differently in their life. Acupuncture can help shift negative thought patterns reminding us of how good we can feel.

In a healthy body, energy or Qi (pronounced 'chee') flows harmoniously. Any disturbance to its flow leads to discomfort or illness. Acupuncture acts to restore the normal flow of Qi through the body.

Qi moves along energetic pathways called meridians originally visualised by Chinese sages 3000 years ago, practising Qi Gong and deep meditation. Qi flows in a cyclical fashion around the 12 pairs of meridians that cover the body. Each meridian is linked directly and indirectly to a number of internal organs, connecting seemingly unrelated symptoms from different organ systems.

Acupuncture points lie on specific areas along each meridian. Each point has a name and carries a physical, energetic, and spiritual function, as shown by Heart 7 below.

I use an extremely gentle technique where I tap the needles quickly into the skin, with no discomfort. The needles are high quality, sterile, individually packaged and are used only once.

As the needle connects with your body's Qi, I gently manipulate it and you may feel some heaviness, or tingling.

I encourage constant feedback from you, letting me know if there is any discomfort, as this can be alleviated by a small correction of the needle or complete withdrawal.

If you feel that needles are out of the question, you can receive acupressure instead. This is also an ideal therapy for young children and babies.

The needles may be removed as soon as a sensation is felt, or may stay in place for 20 to 30 minutes, while you relax.

In your first appointment I'll take a detailed account of your symptoms, medical and family history and major life events, so I can establish a complete picture of you. Some questions about bodily functions may surprise you, but all information regarding your life is relevant to making a diagnosis in TCM terms. Nothing in your story is judged good or bad.

Next I'll feel the pulses in both wrists which indicate how well internal organs are functioning, and give a general measure of your energy level at the time that I see you.

I'll inspect your tongue to gain more information from its shape, colour and coating. I may check the temperature of some areas of skin and may palpate any problematic areas.

I use a combination of acupuncture, Tui Na (Chinese massage), cupping (glass suction cups, which are applied painlessly to the skin) and moxibustion (where a warming herb is burnt and held close to the skin).

I also give lifestyle and dietary advice according to TCM theory and simple Qi Gong exercises where appropriate.

I offer Bach flower remedies (developed by an English physician using native flowers and plants in the early 1900s), individual tinctures taken by mouth which are used to re-balance certain emotions.

This depends on the severity of the problem and how long it has been there. While you may feel improvement after one treatment, many symptoms need four to 10 weekly treatments to resolve or significantly improve. More stubborn problems require longer. You may choose to come regularly to maintain your well-being, or for regular support, perhaps monthly, or at the change of seasons. I am open to your individual needs.

Acupuncture can sometimes produce dramatic results. But TCM does more than take away symptoms in the way a paracetamol removes a headache. It corrects the true root of the problem, encouraging the body’s innate wisdom to return it to its natural state of balance. This is healing at a deep level.

The initial consultation will take approximately one hour, including a detailed history, examination and treatment. Follow up appointments will also last one hour.

I may ask you to remove some clothing to access the acupuncture points on your body but you will be kept adequately draped and warm at all times. I will ask you to sign an information sheet /consent form that explains all the treatments offered. Healing is a personal process and I feel privileged to be able to walk with you on your journey. It is always a joy to witness the power of TCM supporting your body in returning to its natural state of balance and health.