In Chinese medicine, ill health is seen as the result of imbalance and impediments to the free flow of energy in the body. When needles are inserted at particular points this helps to unblock and move energy. Research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals (endorphins). These assist the body to heal itself and gain pain relief. There is now increasing scientific evidence to support the effects of acupuncture.

The first appointment begins with a consultation during which the practitioner will ask various questions about your health and check your tongue and pulse in order to make a diagnosis. You receive the acupuncture treatment lying on a couch with the needles usually staying in for approximately 20 minutes.

This will depend on each individual. No two persons are the same and the outcomes will naturally be different. Occasionally the condition becomes worse at first. This means that there was a movement and something suppressed deep down has come to the surface. This is part of a healing process and we regard it as a positive sign. More often, people feel relaxed and energised. We advise you not to do vigorous exercise, have alcohol or take a hot bath straight after a treatment.

Again this will depend on each individual. As a rule, a chronic condition takes longer to see any outcome, whereas more acute conditions may see a dramatic improvement straight after the first treatment. This also depends on other factors such as your age, living conditions, lifestyle management etc… The practitioner will discuss these factors with you and you will be encouraged to take part in treating your conditions by managing and changing certain areas of your life. A course oftreatments may be recommended initially with follow-up treatments as and when necessary.

The needles used in acupuncture are so fine that most people do not experience any pain on insertion. When the acupuncture point is stimulated a tingling or dull, aching sensation is sometimes experienced.

When practised by a professional, and under the safety guidelines of the British Acupuncture Council, acupuncture is a safe and hygienic therapy. We use only single-use, pre-sterilised needles and practise strict standards of hygiene.

It is important to inform your practitioner if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, as some points and types of treatment are contraindicated. Acupuncture is not advised for haemophiliacs, those on blood-thinning drugs or in the case of unstable epilepsy.