Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Treatment. It has been in used for thousands of years. Acupuncture improves the body's functions and it promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating spercific acupuncture points. Hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems like back pain, neck pain, and joint pain, to nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.
Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”, flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi , Doctors believe that when Qi doesn’t flow freely through the body, this can cause illness. Acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi, and so restore health.
Today 2.3 million acupuncture treatments are carried out each year and the therapy is widely accepted as an effective solution for a range of illnesses and symptoms. What’s more there is a substantial body of evidence to support this. Users include high profile celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Gwen Stefani and Chris Evans.
Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments on offer in the UK. Especially on a medical and practical level when performed by our qualified doctors.
One of the most popular myths surrounding acupuncture is the size of the needle used in treatment. In fact, research shows that 21% of the British public think an acupuncturist’s needle is as large as that used in an injection. The reality is that acupuncture needles are actually the same width as a human hair and some are just 0.13mm in length. Most people might feel a slight tingling sensation when the needles are used, but this certainly does not feel like the pain associated with an injection.
During the treatments we only use pre-sterilised single-use needles which are disposed of afterwards.
Most patients begin to notice benefits within the first few treatments. With acupuncture, the effectiveness of each treatment typically builds upon the previous one. The number of treatments will vary with each individual depending on their symptoms.
The number of treatments and treatment frequency depend on a variety of factors, such as your constitution, and the severity and duration of the problem. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. The doctor may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.
That depends on your insurer. As the demand for complementary medicine increases, more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for traditional acupuncture. You should check your individual policy details or asking the following questions:
- Will my plan cover acupuncture?
- How many visits per calendar year?
- Do I need a referral?
- Do I have a co-pay?
- Do I have a deductible? If yes, has it been met?
Acupuncture reduces by promoting the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors, enhancing natural killer cell activities and modulating the number and ratio of immune cell types, as well as increasing local microcirculation which aids dispersal of fluid in the tissues and consequent reduction of swelling.
Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance the effect of the treatment. The dried herb, Moxa, is used like incense to gently and safely warm the body, relax muscles and supplement Qi.
Our doctor will do a full diagnostic consultation asking questions about all aspects of your health and well-being.
The doctor will also look at your tongue and feel your pulses on both wrists. This comprehensive diagnostic consultation allows us to create a bespoke treatment plan for you and advise you how many sessions you may need.
Herbal Therapy
These "herbs" which are the basis of herbal medicine, are composed of roots, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, and branches. About 300 to 500 of these are commonly used. It is important to use herbs grown in China rather than outside their native environment. One must use the right herb from the right source to get the full benefit.
Chinese herbalists do not usually prescribe single herbs for their patients. Chinese herbs are usually used in combinations of up to 15 herbs. There are two major reasons for this practice. Mutual Reinforcement involves combining two or more very similar herbs together to create a stronger effect. Mutual Assistance is the way to use one herb to help another work better.
After Treatment
Some people notice a difference straight away after only one or two sessions of the treatment, some people might need to continue with the treatment for a period of time before getting results. But it really depends on your body's reaction. There are many factors which can affect the effectiveness of the treatment, including the duration of the problem, whether you have been using steroid medication, as well as your emotional state. Some patients with skin problems might find their condition gets worse before it gets better, but this is quite normal, as this treatment is a way to detoxify your body. If this happens, just be patient, and try not to worry about it. Give us a call if you feel uncomfortable, or pop in to consult our doctor.
This happens to about 10% of people, who have sensitive constitutions, and is quite normal. Do not worry about it, your condition will get better gradually after few more sessions of the treatment.
These treatments work on most people, and we are confident that it works on you as well. However, in different people the body's reaction to the medication can be different. During treatment you will have to keep an eye on your diet as well. Try to eat a low carbohydrate diet, cut down on junk food like fizzy drink, cakes, deep fried food, chips and burgers etc, always eat small portions and do not go to bed with a full stomach. If you follow these rules you should see positive results.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a type of foot massage that has been in use for thousands of years. It is based on a connection between zone’s in your feet that represent different organs of your body, which can be adjusted and managed through those zones.
Reflexology can help to relax your whole body, and central nervous system, inducing a state of calm throughout mind and body. It can improve blood circulation throughout the body, which means that blood and oxygen are being cycled through the body more effectively. This means that more oxygen reaches the organ systems, therefore stimulating the metabolism.