Acupuncture is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – one of the most ancient systems of medicine that goes back more than 2,000 years.

Acupuncture is a therapy where fine sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body.

These acupuncture points are located and linked on ‘channels’ along which the Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) flows. The stimulation of these acupuncture points through the needles, is to restore ‘balance’ in the body and to ensure the smooth flow of Qi. The more balance that is maintained, the healthier we feel.

We can recognise when our Qi is not in balance or blocked as it manifests as emotional or physical symptoms, illness, and disease. The disturbance of our Qi flowing can be due to many factors – emotional stress and tension, diet and digestive issues, lifestyle choices, medications, physical trauma and surgical procedures, the environment and generally how we live in the modern world.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally very safe and evidence shows that there are very few side effects. Single-use, sterile, disposable needles are used in clinic and I follow the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) codes and standards to ensure safe practice and conduct.

Acupuncture appointments

Traditional Chinese medicine and the treatment of acupuncture has the focus of addressing the root cause of ill health as well as treating symptoms. The aim is to restore balance and prevent future reoccurrence of a condition.

To do this, I recommend an initial course of six treatments. Treatment is very tailored to each individual – this is the key differentiator to conventional medicine. Progress will be continually reviewed with you. We may start with weekly appointments and this may change in time to fortnightly or monthly, depending on how you are responding to treatment and what suits you.

My invitation to all my patients is to commit to treatment and invest the time it deserves.

Please be reassured you are treated with complete respect in clinic. This includes respect for your wishes and beliefs, your right to privacy and modesty.

Introductory discovery call – 15 minutes and free of charge

Before committing to your first appointment, I find an introductory call works well for both new patients and myself so we can have a brief discussion on the main health concerns for which you are seeking treatment. It also gives me chance to give you an overview of how things work and what to expect.

Once we have booked your first appointment, I then send a comprehensive information sheet detailing everything you need to know ahead of coming to clinic.

Initial acupuncture appointment – 90 minutes

Your first appointment as a new patient will be around 90 minutes long.

This longer session allows for a full medical case history to be taken, including details on current health and lifestyle. In TCM, observations of the tongue and a detailed reading of the pulse are key aspects of diagnosis, so time will be given for a tongue analysis and pulses felt on both wrists.

After this information gathering, a diagnosis will be made and a treatment plan put in place specific to you, followed by your first treatment.

Follow-up acupuncture appointment - 60 minutes

Subsequent appointments will be for an hour. Together we will review how you responded to your previous treatment and continue with the treatment plan or tweak as required.