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Debbie
Smith BSc (Hons) Acupuncture, Lic Ac., MBAcC.
www.debbiesmithacupuncture.co.uk
About
Acupuncture
Traditional
Chinese Acupuncture is a healing system originating in the Far East and
has been practised for more than 2,000 years. The focus of
acupuncture treatment is on improving the overall well being of the
patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific
symptom.
Traditional Chinese philosophy tells us that our health is dependent on
the body’s motivating energy, known as Qi, this energy moves in a
harmonised way through a series of meridians beneath the
skin.
Through the insertion of fine needles into the meridians, your
acupuncturist aims to ensure that the Qi continues flowing in its
harmonised path thus stimulating the body’s natural healing response.
Treatment
is aimed at the root of your condition as well as your main symptoms.
This approach helps with resolving your problem and enhancing your
feeling of wellbeing.
You
may notice other niggling problems resolve as your main health
complaint improves.
Who has acupuncture?
Many
people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or to
relieve specific pains like osteoarthritis of the knee, nausea, short
term relief for tension type headaches as well as dental pain. Some use
acupuncture because they feel generally unwell but have no obvious
diagnosis. Others choose acupuncture simply to enhance their feeling of
wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including
babies and children. It can be used effectively alongside conventional
medicine.
What can acupuncture do
for me?
Many
people turn to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or
condition. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain good
health, as a preventive measure, or simply to improve their general
sense of wellbeing. Because traditional acupuncture aims to treat the
whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation, it can be
effective for a whole range of conditions.
Remember
that acupuncturists treat the person, not just the condition which they
have, so each patient’s treatment plan will be different. However, you
can always ask about other patients’ experiences, to give you an idea
of what to expect. Many people return to acupuncture again and again
because they find it so beneficial and relaxing.
In
2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
recommended that acupuncture should be made available on the NHS, as a
cost-effective short-term treatment for the management of early,
persistent non-specific lower back pain.
What
to expect on your first visit
During
your first acupuncture consultation you be asked about your general
state of health, current symptoms, previous treatment you have received
and medical history. During this time you will have your tongue
examined as well as having your pulse taken.
You
should allow up to 1½ hours for your initial consultation and first
treatment combined. Generally a course of six treatments over
a
period of six weeks would be recommended, this may vary depending on
the condition. Patients then move on to less frequent treatments
between once or twice a month.
It
would be beneficial to wear loose, comfortable clothing and have a
light snack an hour before treatment.
Acupuncture
needles are sterilised, pre packed, single use and disposed of after
each treatment.
Other techniques that may
be used during treatment
- Moxabustion
- Massage
- Cupping
- Ear
Acupuncture
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