Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of medicine.  The Chinese and other Eastern cultures have been using acupuncture to promote and maintain good health for thousands of years.  According to Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the smooth flow of energy, or qi, through the body.  This flow of qi can be disturbed by any number of factors.  These include emotional states such as anxiety, anger or grief, as well as poor nutrition, infections and trauma. The acupuncturist inserts ultra fine needles at chosen points along the channels of energy to stimulate the body's own healing response and restore its natural balance.

Nowadays, more and more people are finding this long established therapy can offer an effective solution to all manner of today's ills.  Acupuncture is now accepted all over the world as a valid system of healthcare, and in the UK there are currently over 2,800 qualified acupuncturists registered with the British Acupuncture Council.

When you come for treatment, I will ask you all about your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.  I will then check your tongue and pulses and make a diagnosis.  I will then choose appropriate points along the meridians to best treat your problem.  Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests, so it really doesn't hurt!  When the needle is inserted generally you don't feel anything, or at most a tingling or dull ache.  The needles are then left in place for ten minutes or so to do their work.

Some conditions will improve with the first treatment, others may take longer.  The usual recommendation is 4 - 6 treatments at weekly intervals.  It may be a good idea to tell your GP if you are having treatment, they are usually very supportive of acupuncture.