Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a natural way to promote health and wellbeing through the use of fine needles inserted at specific points on the skin. Inserting needles into the body in this way is considered to help maintain and promote the body's own innate ability to self-regulate.

 

This is particularly important when these natural mechanisms get thrown out of balance due to lifestyle and environmental factors. If left unchecked, these disturbances may result in pain and disease symptoms, energy depletion and blockage - all of which can lead to reduced wellbeing.

Tried and trusted treatment

 Acupuncture originated in China and has been practiced there successfully for more than 2,000 years.* The Chinese considered these self-regulating mechanisms of the body as being activated by a life-giving energy called qi (chi).

 

Remarkably, this idea is one of the cornerstones of traditional Chinese acupuncture, which today continues to be widely practiced in many countries worldwide. Acupuncture therefore draws on a rich clinical tradition using tried and trusted methods and and tends to be systematic in its application.

 

Acupuncture remains a complete system of healing in its own right. Its effectiveness is not simply 'all in the mind' - vets, for example, routinely use acupuncture to treat animals. Acupuncture has definite psychological impacts on the body which are well known to modern medical science. For the latest research on acupuncture, click here to follow this link.

 

* See: Lu G-D and Needham J (1980) Celestial Lancets: a History & Rationale of Acupuncture and Moxa, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press: 73-117.

Acupuncture: My personal approach

The approach taken in treatment is geared to resolving underlying health issues. These could well be, in some instances, a core contributing factor to your main symptoms.

 

Generally speaking, your body is its own expert at keeping healthy. A truly elaborate system is in place within you to maintain this drive for health. It is when this precious resource falters, that acupuncture can provide a helping hand.

What happens during a treatment, and how long will it take?

A first consultation generally lasts one hour. During this time I will ask you questions about your symptoms and general health as well as carrying out a simple traditional Chinese tongue-and-pulse-diagnosis.

 

Follow-up sessions last approximately 30-45 minutes. They may be at weekly, fortnightly or three-weekly intervals after the first treatment, by agreement and according to your specific needs. You and I will agree to review progress after five sessions.

 

Treatment sessions are conducted in a relaxed, non-judgemental atmosphere and in the strictest confidence.

 

Treatment is gently applied with fine needles inserted at precisely located points on the body. In general, I use 5-8 points during a treatment session. Many people have found that, in addition to treating symptoms, a course of acupuncture seems to have enabled them to 'reconnect' with themselves, with improvements in their quality of life.

Acupuncture FAQs

  • Which conditions can acupuncture treat?

    Acute and chronic ailments. The range of conditions which have been treated by acupuncture alone, or as an adjunct to conventional treatment, is a varied one. If you want to know whether acupuncture may help your condition, please contact me.


    As an example, the following give an indication of the variety of ailments treatable on the substantial basis of current scientific knowledge:


    Dental pain, nausea, vomiting, osteoarthritis of the knee (adjunctive or temporary treatment), tension-type headache (requiring short-term relief), lower back pain (temporary or short-term relief).


    For evidence-based studies on acupuncture, click here.


    Health promotion, such as seasonal 'tone-up', stress reduction, disease prevention (for recurrent seasonal ailments, for example). For further information on acupuncture and health promotion, click here.

  • Who has acupuncture?

    Young and old alike may benefit from acupuncture, and in practice this ranges from young children from about two years old to the elderly aged 90 or over. People seeking treatment with acupuncture generally fall into two groups:


    1. Those who have specific symptoms or medical conditions which may not have responded satisfactorily to conventional medical treatment alone. Also, for those seeking specific pain relief to complement existing treatment such as osteoarthritis of the knee.
    2. People who are interested in promoting their own health and constitution; also people who feel that they are 'out of balance' physically, mentally or emotionally and wish to return to optimum health.
  • What does a session cost?

    Swaffham


    • First consultation and treatment (1 hr) £60
    • Follow up sessions (40 min) £50
  • What does acupuncture feel like?

    Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and insertion is usually painless. Shortly after insertion, the sensation is often described as tingling, slight numbness or a dull localised ache. During treatment, patients may experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant, relaxed feeling. Needles are generally left in place for five to twenty minutes, depending on the effect required. With young people the times are usually much less than this.

  • Should my GP know I am receiving acupuncture?

    If you are receiving prescribed medicine from your doctor, it is a good idea to let them know that you intend to have acupuncture. In recent years doctors have become increasingly pro-acupuncture and, in the main, do not mind if their patients try it.


    A course of acupuncture may enable you to reduce medication, although it is recommended that you consult your doctor regarding any changes of prescription.

  • Will acupuncture work alongside other medication?

    Generally, yes. Some types of medication, such as strong painkillers, may reduce or modify the body's response to the needles when inserted, which means that the course of treatments may need to be longer. At the first treatment, you will be asked what medication you are taking, so that this can be taken into account in planning your course of acupuncture treatment.

  • Is it safe, and are there side-effects to treatment?

    All members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) observe a Code of Safe Practice, which lays down strict standards of hygiene and requires the use of sterile, single-use, disposable needles.


    As and when required, treatment will be given in a 'COVID-Safe' environment which conforms to current Public Health England and Government laws and guidelines. This includes the wearing of face coverings and additional PPE by the practitioner.


    Untoward side-effects to acupuncture are extremely rare.

  • Do you have a cancellation policy?

    I need a 48 hour notice of cancellation, otherwise the full fee will be charged.

  • Is an acupuncture session completely confidential?

    Yes. Your personal details are not divulged to anyone and your case notes are held securely in the clinic. None of your details are held on computer or in digital storage devices (memory sticks, etc).

  • How many sessions am I likely to need?

    The number of sessions and the interval between them varies from person to person. An initial course of treatment can typically vary between 3 and 8 sessions.

  • What is the clinic address?

    The Green Parrot, Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7AQ. The reception is on the ground floor of the Health Food Shop. 

    Tel: 01760 724704. 

    Email: info@green-parrot.co.uk