What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional form of treatment that involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. It has been practised in China for thousands of years and is now used all over the world, including here in the UK.
I practise Five Element acupuncture, a classical approach that looks at the whole person rather than just a set of symptoms. We all know that body and mind affect each other; for example, stress can disturb our sleep, and poor sleep can affect our mood and energy. Five Element acupuncture takes this connection seriously and recognises that each of us has our own unique pattern of balance. That's why treatment is tailored to you as an individual, rather than to a standard list of points for a particular complaint, and why no two treatments are quite the same.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the body is understood to have a flow of vital energy, known as qi (pronounced “chee”), moving along pathways called meridians. When this flow is disrupted, we may notice pain, tiredness, stress or a general sense of being out of sorts. Acupuncture aims to support the body's natural balance and help you feel more like yourself.
What does it feel like?
Most people are surprised by how gentle it is. The needles are much finer than those used for injections, and many people feel nothing more than a slight tingle or a dull, heavy sensation. Many find treatment deeply relaxing, and some even drift off to sleep.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
We'll begin with a relaxed, unhurried conversation about your health, your lifestyle and what has brought you here. Because I treat you as an individual, I'll be interested in more than your main concern: how you sleep, your energy, your emotions and what matters to you. I'll then decide on the right first treatment for you.
What can I expect from follow-up appointments?
Acupuncture tends to work cumulatively, with each session building on the last, so I usually recommend an initial course of five appointments before we review how things are going together.
After your first appointment, I'll put together a treatment plan tailored to you. Even so, each follow-up begins with a short chat about how you've been since we last met and anything new that's come up, whether that's changes in your sleep, energy, mood or anything else. This helps me keep the picture of you up to date, and it also informs the points I choose that day, so your treatment can adapt as you do.
After five sessions, we'll take stock together. We'll talk about what you've noticed, and I'll suggest a sensible next step, whether that's continuing on a similar basis, spacing appointments out, or coming to a natural close.
Is it safe?
When carried out by a properly trained practitioner using single-use sterile needles, acupuncture is generally considered very safe. I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council and hold a degree level licentiate (distinction) in Acupuncture from The Acupuncture Academy.
If you're curious about whether acupuncture might suit you, I'm always happy to offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation.
Get in touch or book an appointment