Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine that has been used for thousands of years. Often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses.

Chinese Medicine perceives the body as a system that is kept in a dynamic state of balance by the flow of Qi (or electro magnetic energy) through the body. These channels of Qi travel beneath the skin and pass through different organs and muscle groups. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a wide range of things, such as infection, trauma, emotional difficulties, poor diet and life style.

The main aim of acupuncture is not only to treat a specific symptom, but also help rebalance the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of an individual.

Recent scientific evidence has shown that the body is made up of a web of interconnected tissue called fascia: this holds internal organs together (a bit like a plastic bag) and also runs along and over different muscle groups. These lines of fascia follow the same pathways or meridians that are used in Chinese Medicine.
As we move the fascia rubs together to create a minute electric current- similar to the movement of what is called Qi in Chinese Medicine.

The parallels of continue: in embryology we now know that in the early phases of cell growth our bodies form six layers of tissue in which two of the main organs develop. These six layers become the twelve primary meridians on which the foundation of Chinese Medicine is based.

These exciting developments suggest that hopefully Chinese Medicine will become more widely recognised and inter grated into our health care system

Here is a list of the top ten things I see daily in my acupuncture clinic:
Back pain, neck / shoulder pain, fertility issues, headaches, tiredness, anxiety/ depression, knee/ foot pain, sinus pain, problems during pregnancy & stomach/bowel pain.

Complex Immune system problems such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, MS and Graves Disease all respond well to Acupuncture.

For further information and references to issues listed or not please get in contact.

Everyone! Acupuncture is suitable for all ages. Children and babies are often very responsive to acupuncture as their Qi is more dynamic. Due to this response and their age techniques and approaches are different to treating adults. For more information re children and acupuncture please call or e mail.

On your first visit you will be asked:

• Your symptoms
• What treatment you have had to date
• Various questions about your different body systems eg digestion, sleep patterns etc
• Any other areas of your life that may be affecting your health

It is up to you how much you discuss with the acupuncturist. All information is confidential and helps create a treatment plan.

The acupuncturist will then look at your tongue and pulse. Then while you are lying down a few very thin needles are placed into acupuncture points. Needles are left in for around twenty minutes.

Treatment is then often weekly. The likely number of treatment needed varies. Some time the effects are dramatic, while with other patients the results may be more subtle and take several months

Acupuncture needles are as fine as a piece of hair - 0.20mm. When a needle is inserted there is usually no or very little sensation. However as the needle connects to the Qi, there is usually a pulling or heaviness around the area. This usually lasts a moment or two then subsides. A few points are chosen and left in for approximately 20 minutes. This can create a sense of deep relaxation and calm

GPs sometimes refer patients for Acupuncture, but unfortunately the NHS does not subsidize treatment. Many health insurers will pay for Acupuncture, but it depends on the cover you have.

Acupuncture is excellent at treating infertility; naturally and along side IVF and other fertility treatment programmes. It can help regulate menstruation patterns and boost sperm counts.

During pregnancy, treatment can reduce nausea, promote foetal growth, reduce aches and pains, alleviate high blood pressure, turn breech presentation and induce overdue babies. Acupressure is also beneficial for a husband or birth partner to learn for use during labour.

For more detail and information Debra Betts, midwife and acupuncturist has a more in depth website: acupuncture.rhizome.net/nz

Yes.

Acupuncture can work alongside your medication. Treatment can enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change in prescription. DO NOT stop taking medication without some form of professional guidance.