Tel: 07752 684808
ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE HERBS
Gillian Price MBAcC MRCHM
ACUPUNCTURE
What is Chinese Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of the traditional medicine of China and has been used for over 4000
years. It has become very popular in this country over the last few decades as people have
realised that :
- it can effectively bring relief from a wide range of complaints
- it addresses the root cause of the problem treating the whole person rather than
just the symptoms
- there are few side effects, in fact people usually report a greater sense of well being
Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s own healing response and helping to restore
the natural balance.
Who has Acupuncture?
Many people from all sections of society seek acupuncture these days. Treatment has
often been recommended to them by their friends, family, colleagues or GP.
Some people come because they just don’t feel right even though they have no
recognisable illness, and others come with more serious health problems.
What happens in a treatment?
The initial session lasts about 75 minutes. You will be asked about your health. lifestyle,
diet, moods etc. and will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss whatever you
think relevant. This will be followed by a treatment. All other treatments last 45 minutes.
The treatment will consist of fine needles being gently placed along energy lines on the
body.
Other techniques may also be used such as:
- moxabustion – warming using mugwort herb – a very pleasant, relaxing experience
- cupping - cups are placed (often on the back or shoulders) with mild suction
An initial course of treatment will be agreed. This, often, will be six treatments at weekly
intervals with a review of progress on the sixth. This may be followed by more treatments if
required.
Commonly asked questions
- Does it hurt? Most people feel a tiny pricking sensation followed by a warm glow.
- Where do you put the needles? The most commonly used points are on the arms,
legs and back.
- Is it safe? The results of two independent surveys published in the British Medical
Journal in 2001 (MacPherson et al, White et al, both BMJ September 2001)
concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in
10,000. The needles are used once only and then disposed of.
- How will I feel after a treatment? Usually relaxed, sometimes a bit sleepy
temporarily, sometimes energised.
- How many treatments will I need? Generally, the longer you’ve had a condition the
more treatments you may require. This will be discussed during your initial
treatment.
- Can I have acupuncture if I’m taking medication from my doctor? Yes, you can.
Acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or stop your medication but you
must consult your doctor about this.
- Is there anything I should or shouldn’t do before or after a treatment? Don’t have a
large meal or alcohol just before treatment.
Under Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) guidelines, I am not allowed to list the
wide range of conditions that I believe can be helped by Acupuncture and Chinese
Herbal medicine but please feel free to call me on 07752 684 808.