Used for thousands of years in China and other Eastern Countries, Acupuncture regards a symptom or an ailment as an indication of an imbalance within the whole system rather than an isolated occurrence.

Treatment focuses on the overall well being of the patient and the essential relationship between ‘Yin and Yang’ the body’s equal and opposite qualities which if unbalanced may result in illness. Acupuncture rebalances the body’s motivating energy or ‘Qi’ which flows through a series of channels or ‘meridians’ throughout the body.

Acupuncture is often seen as the most effective ‘alternative’ treatment for pain relief, but the benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition, it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of well being

The first appointment with an Acupuncturist may be longer than subsequent visits. To assess your overall health and identify the underlying pattern of disharmony, you will be asked about your symptoms and treatment so far, plus your and your close family’s medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.

The practitioner will take your pulse at the wrist and look at your tongue to discover how the energies are flowing in the body. There are 500 recognised acupuncture points, but often the point most influencing your condition may be nowhere near the affected part.

The needles used are very thin and bear no resemblance to those used to give injections or take blood.

For children or those with a fear of needles a small rounded probe may be used to press on the acupuncture point. Individuals feel different sensations when a needle is inserted, sometimes it is hardly felt, or it tingles or produces a dull ache. Needles may be left in for a few seconds or up to 20 mins. The aim is to clear a blockage or sluggishness in the energy channel, which sometimes takes a little time.

Sometimes the burning of the herb Moxa is used to gently warm an area or point. To facilitate full treatment clients may be required to undress down to their underwear.