WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a natural therapy that helps the body to heal itself. According to Chinese medicine, our health depends on the balance of "life-force" energy (Qi) which flows through invisible channels (meridians) throughout our body. When Qi becomes deficient or out of balance, we eventually start to develop symptoms of illness.

Acupuncturists are trained to recognise signs of physical and emotional unwellness that are associated with each meridian, and by stimulating points along the meridians (usually using very fine needles) they aim to restore balance to the whole system.

There are many different systems of acupuncture in use today. Some acupuncturists prescribe medicinal herbs to complement the acupuncture treatment; some use very modern techniques such as electrical stimulation of acupuncture points. The main type of acupuncture practised at the North Lakes Clinic is based on very subtle and gentle techniques of the Japanese Toyohari tradition. This involves the use of extremely fine silver needles, which are rarely inserted through the skin, but rather used to stimulate Qi by touching or stroking the body surface. An important part of the treatment is moxibusion, in which small pieces of a dried herb (moxa) are smouldered close to the skin to bring a soothing warmth and aid the healing process.

WHAT SORT OF THINGS CAN IT TREAT?

Acupuncture is found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, such as:

Some people like to come to be "rebalanced" every few months as a preventative measure, even is they are not feeling unwell - like taking your car for a regular service.

Acupuncture is also a good supportive therapy for people trying to overcome addictions to alcohol, smoking and drugs.

GOING FOR ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

On your first appointment a thorough diagnosis is made, which can take up to 90 minutes. I will need to ask about your medical history, as well as aspects of your lifestyle, diet and general demeanour, in order to build up a picture of you as a whole, and to establish the cause of your energy imbalance. I will also need to examine your abdomen, back, neck and wrist pulses, as well as any specific symptomatic areas. Please bear in mind that you may be required to take off any jewellery and to undress down to underwear. It is helpful to avoid using make-up and perfume/aftershave, as these can hamper the diagnosis; subtle skin colours and odours are important indications of a persons conditions.

Treatment can take up to one hour, and is carried out with the patient either sitting or lying on a treatment couch. Where appropriate, I may use additional techniques such as suction cups and massage to loosen tight muscles and improve circulation. Most people find their treatment comfortable and relaxing.

HOW MUCH TREATMENT WILL I NEED?

This will obviously vary depending on the nature of the problem. There is sometimes a significant improvement after the first treatment, but in general a minimum of 5 sessions is necessary to obtain a lasting benefit. Initially the appointments will be weekly, but as health improves this frequency can be reduced to monthly or seasonally.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR CHILDREN

People of all ages come for acupuncture treatment. The Toyohari style is not painful or frightening for people who are wary of needles. It can be very effective for treating young children, who generally respond much more quickly than adults and therefore may require fewer and short sessions.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Acupuncture is a very safe therapy and does not cause harmful side effects. Most practitioners use sterile disposable needles which are not reused. The British Acupuncture Council sets out strict codes of practice and ethics regarding cleanliness, treatment and procedure and professional conduct.