ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
MY BACKGROUND IN ACUPUNCTURE
I am a Bsc Hons qualified Acupuncturist and a member of the BAcC (British Acupuncture Council), the leading Professional Body for Acupuncturists in the UK. I studied Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading at CICM for 3.5 years, graduating in 2012.
ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
Chinese Medicine Acupuncture utilises a holistic approach to medicine, whereby the physical, mental and emotional self are treated in unison, to create balance and harmony within the body. Fine needles, which are essentially painless, are inserted into pressure points throughout the body. These points stimulate blood flow, encourage endorphin release and promote the body's natural healing process by balancing the body's vital energy, known as Qi.
WHAT CAN I TREAT?
I have experience in effectively treating a number of symptoms associated with ailments, including:
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Stress/ Low mood disorders/ Anxiety
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Headaches
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Hormone Imbalance/ Infertility
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Back pain/ sciatica/ nerve pain
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Chronic digestive ailments
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Insomnia
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Ear problems
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Neuropathy
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT
Beth will take a full case history, including past and current health history, further detail on your main complaint (s) and additional questions to form an effective course of treatment.
A physical assessment maybe required if your main complaint includes musculoskeletal pain/injury, whereby my injury rehabilitation expertise can be integrated into acupuncture/Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment. Reading of the pulse on both wrists and observation of the tongue is taken to confirm an effective treatment plan for you.
Treatment will usually include insertion of fine needles following the channels of vital energy throughout the body, which are specifically chosen based on your individual treatment plan. Once inserted, you will have the chance to relax for 20 minutes as the needles gently stimulate the pressure points. At the end of treatment, there may be a requirement for further treatment, whereby needles are inserted and removed immediately. Additional techniques are often included during your course of treatment to enhance treatment, such as moxa (a herb burned to warm acupuncture channels and points).
Lifestyle advice such as diet and exercises are also often given to enhance your treatment.
It is beneficial to have a weekly course of treatment for 5-6 weeks to maintain positive energy balance within the body. Sessions are likely to become less frequent as you respond to treatment.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
You Ask - I Answer
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE? IS IT PAINFUL?
Acupuncture is a safe treatment, as a certified Acupuncturist and member of the British Acupuncture Council, I have excellent knowledge of the practice of acupuncture. Acupuncture needles are very fine, most people don't feel them go into the skin. Once the acupuncture point has been found, you may feel an ache, pressure or sensation. Many people find acupuncture to be a very pleasant experience.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECOVER?
Recovery is dependant on age, type of complaint, severity of the complaint and your general health, therefore an exact time-frame cannot be offered. It can take time to settle into treatment, therefore it's advisable to commence treatment for a minimum of 6 weekly treatments to gain true benefit. As you start to feel healthier, treatments can be spaced out bi-weekly/monthly. Many patients choose to continue 'maintenance' treatment every 6-8 weeks or more depending on their symptoms.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER TREATMENTS INVOLVED?
Chinese Medicine includes a range of treatments. Acupuncture is predominantly used, however dependant on the symptoms presented, I may offer moxibustion (a herb burned to warm into points and channels), cupping (round glass cups lift the skin and musculature to increase blood flow to the area) and my expertise in injury rehabilitation, to aid with injury recovery. (please see my Injury Rehabilitation page to learn more)