About Acupuncture
Acupuncture essentially brings the body’s attention to where it is out of balance and gives it a nudge to correct itself! It is a treatment with Chinese roots going back 2000 years, based on the theory that an energy or life force, known as Qi; flows through the vital channels of the body, known as the meridians. When Qi isn’t flowing freely, health problems can arise, sometimes physical, mental or emotional. Acupuncture regulates the meridians and unblocks any stagnation of Qi to re-establish balance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is holistic and looks at the patient as a whole and an individual and how the different aspects of a person interact with and affect each other. People may come to acupuncture because of a specific health condition but many people worldwide use acupuncture for maintenance - to prevent illness and increase and maintain their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These biochemical changes can stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities to promote physical and emotional wellbeing.
Some of the ways acupuncture has been proven to work are:
reducing histamine levels to reduce inflammation
boosting nerve growth hormone to manage nervous system conditions
resetting your body into a rest and digest state (PSNS) rather than fight or flight, to reduce stress levels, aid digestion and improve sleep
Points selected along the meridian channels are tailor-made for the individual and very fine needles are inserted to redistribute and create a harmonious flow of Qi. You can learn more about current research and evidence for how acupuncture works for a wide range of conditions on the British Acupuncture Council’s website: Acupuncture Research - BAcC and Acupuncture Research Evidence | BAcC. Further information can be found on the NHS website.
Additional Treatments
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture uses electrical stimulation to enhance the effects of traditional acupuncture and promote healing. It can be used for musculoskeletal problems, chronic pain, neurological conditions, and can be helpful in recovery after injury or surgery. There is evidence to show that electroacupuncture works by reducing inflammation, regulating nerve activity, promoting blood circulation and triggering the release of pain-reducing chemicals. The effects of electroacupuncture are cumulative and several sessions are needed for best results.
Facial Acupuncture
A safer alternative to botox, filler or surgery, this cosmetic acupuncture treatment concentrates on points and muscles of the face to improve the elasticity of your skin, soften lines and wrinkles and help lift and tone the face. You will also receive some constitutional points on your arms and legs to help balance and harmonise your being generally. I am on the Facial Enhance Acupuncture register of practitioners having completed my training in 2024. A course of 8 treatments is required for best results and each session is 90 minutes and costs £90.
Reiki
Usui reiki is a gentle system of energy healing practised by transmitting spiritually guided life force, primarily through the hands. It can help with stress relief, relaxation, rejuvenation, energy, mind-body connection and release of emotional and energetic blockages. I am happy to deliver reiki at no extra charge while you are relaxing with your acupuncture needles in place.
Gua Sha
Gua sha involves scraping of the skin, usually on the back, neck and shoulders, to help circulation. This can bring pain relief and restore muscle function and can also be used as a diagnostic tool to locate stagnation or imbalances. It is not painful but will often leave red or purple bruise marks in the area treated, which fade after a few days and can leave muscles slightly tender, similar to how they would be after a firm massage.
Health conditions acupuncture can help with
The list of conditions that people seek acupuncture for is virtually endless but most can be summarised under the following areas:
Digestive: Gastritis, Irritable bowel syndrome, Hemorrhoids
Emotional and mental health: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Nervousness, Neurosis, PTSD
Eye, nose and throat: Allergic rhinitis, Sinusitis, Sore throat
Gynaecological: menstrual pain, cycle irregularities, PMS, menopause and infertility
MSK: Arthritis, Back pain, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain and weakness, Neck pain
Sciatica
Jaw pain and tension
Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
Neurological conditions: Headaches, Migraines, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, MS
Postoperative pain, Stroke
Respiratory: Asthma, Bronchitis
Cancer: symptoms such as pain, side effects of cancer treatment such as feeling or being sick from chemotherapy