Acupuncture is an ancient system of Chinese medicine which has evolved over thousands of years. It is based on the theory that the body is formed of an energetic system. The energy or Qi running through our bodies forms specific pathways (meridians) along which lie acupuncture points. These points are stimulated by the Acupuncturist in various ways in order to facilitate the flow of energy in accordance with the treatment principles. It is when the flow of Qi is disrupted in various ways through external causes of disease such trauma or climate and/or internal causes of disease such as emotional disturbance that illness can arise. It is the Acupuncturist’s role in partnership with the client to assist in the re-establishment of the smooth flow of Qi thereby stimulating the body’s own natural healing responses.

Traditional acupuncture is practised worldwide and clinical trials are now confirming its effectiveness. Acupuncture is considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms, from clearly defined complaints to more general feelings of ill health and low energy. It is often reported that Acupuncture can lead to an enhanced sense of wellbeing and calm and a greater resilience to the stressful situations that can arise in life. Take a look at the research fact sheets provided by the British Acupuncture Council to find out more about how traditional acupuncture can help you. Also please feel free to contact Nina to discuss your particular health concerns.

Your first appointment (which is up to 1½ hrs in duration) involves taking a full medical history, gathering information from a conventional perspective but also from a Chinese medical viewpoint. Traditional means of diagnosis include taking the pulse at the wrist and looking at your tongue. The process aims to build up a picture which enables the Acupuncturist to formulate specific treatment principles. Sessions may also include lifestyle advice but the emphasis is on client and practitioner working as a team. Subsequent sessions are approximately 1hr in duration.

The tools of the trade

As an Acupuncturist I obviously use needles but these bear little resemblance to those used in conventional medicine. They are not much thicker than a hair and are contained in sterile packaging (opened in front of you) and disposed of after a single use. Treatment is very gentle and only proceeds with your full consent having discussed the treatment plan. If you are nervous of needles please say as we can work together to ensure you are as relaxed as possible about the treatment prior to commencing any needling.

Moxa

In addition to needles I may at times use the herb moxa which comes in various forms (and is applied externally) in order to achieve a specific effect when stimulating a point. For example, Moxa may be used to warm, strengthen or move the person’s energy.

Massage and palpation

This may be used in order to gain a greater sense of the body’s energetic state and to enhance the effect of the needling and other therapies. Nina has trained in Shiatsu style techniques to enhance treatment.

Ear tacks

At times tacks may be inserted in the ear and left in place between treatments in order to enhance and reinforce a treatment effect.

Electro Acupuncture

At times electro acupuncture is used to pass a current directly through the needles. There are certain situations where this treatment may be applicable.

Alpha-Stim

A growing number of Acupuncturists are finding that Alpha-Stim is a useful adjunct to treatment in some cases in order to manage pain. There are other applications of Alpha-Stim for the management of anxiety and insomnia.

The Alpha-Stim is a microcurrent stimulator which is soundly researched (there are currently over a hundred clinical research studies on Cranial Electro Stimulation in humans). Its proprietary wave form normalises the electrical activity of the nervous system producing a calming effect. The microcurrents are of a similar level to those which naturally occur in the brain. When used as an adjunct to Acupuncture the experience is comfortable, relaxing and safe. Its action reinforces the Alpha wave state which is known to be a desirable state for healing.

Summary

This is just a summary of a few of the techniques that may be used in treatment. Every treatment is individually tailored to you and fully discussed to ensure you feel comfortable with the proposed treatment at every stage.

Try to avoid coming to treatment on an empty stomach, but equally do not have a large meal within one hour of the session. Please avoid foods that may colour your tongue prior to treatment as examining your tongue can provide information for the Acupuncturist. It is best if you can wear loose fitting comfortable clothes. Please avoid drinking alcohol on the day of treatment. You can carry on your normal routine after the session but you may wish to avoid vigorous exercise or putting your body into extreme environments on the day of treatment, for example a sauna. It will not do you any harm but as the treatment carries on working after the session it is best to give your body the maximum chance to benefit from the treatment.

Individual responses vary greatly. Initially you may not notice any difference but do not be concerned if this is the case as Acupuncture has a cumulative effect. Others may feel relaxed and calm or a little drowsy. Please bear this in mind when arranging your appointment.

The number of sessions a person requires will depend on each individual situation. On the whole it can take 3-4 sessions to gauge whether someone is likely to respond to Acupuncture but long standing and chronic health issues can obviously take longer to respond. Your treatment progress will be regularly reviewed. Initially it is advisable to visit weekly but as soon as appropriate your sessions will be less frequent. Some people like to continue to attend for sessions as a maintenance treatment for example a periodic treatment 3 or 4 times a year as the seasons change.

Yes absolutely and please do not make any changes to your current health care regime or medication without consulting your Doctor.

Due to a change in the law early in 2010 it is no longer possible for British Acupuncture Council Members to issue you with a certificate to enable you to continue donating blood. Currently you are required to wait four months following treatment before donating blood.

This depends on your insurer. More and more private health insurance companies are including complementary therapies within their cover so please consult your policy provider.

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