About Acupuncture

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient medical system which developed over 2000 years ago. Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holisitic approach which treats the whole person and understands the mind and body as an interconnected system.

During acupuncture treatment, fine needles are inserted into specific points of the body producing a healing response and supporting the body to come into balance. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture is understood to restore the flow of ‘Qi’ and harmony in the body. When ‘Qi’ cannot flow freely, it can stagnate and may cause pain, discomfort or issues with our body’s functions. You can read more about how acupuncture works from both a TCM and biomedical perspective here.

Alongside acupuncture, other modalities of Chinese Medicine are often used during treatment. This may include massage, cupping therapy, gua sha, moxibustion and lifestyle advice.

The effects of acupuncture are known to be accumulative and a course of treatment (4-6 sessions) is usually recommended to begin with. Each individual responds to treatment differently but many find it very supportive and choose to have regular ongoing treatments to maintain good health and longevity.

For more information, please visit the British Acupuncture Council website: https://acupuncture.org.uk/faqs/.

A person receiving a massage, with hands applying pressure to the person's back.
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What to expect

We will begin your first appointment with an indepth conversation regarding your health history, the symptoms you are currently experiencing and the outcomes you are seeking from treatment. From there, we will develop your treatment plan.

Before starting your first treatment, I will ask to feel your pulse and look at your tongue. This may seem a little strange but these techniques are integral to chinese medicine diagnosis and help us to understand what may be going on inside the body.

You’ll then receive your first acupuncture treatment which may include other modalities of Chinese Medicine such as massage, cupping, gua sha or moxibustion. Before we start the treatment I will let you know the areas of the body that we will be working on - it can be helpful to arrive wearing loose clothing that can be rolled up easily. Towels and blankets are available too.

As the acupuncture needles are fine, many people do not feel them being inserted, however it is normal to feel a tingle or dull ache as they are being adjusted. If anything feels uncomfortable at any time you can let me know and we can remove or adjust the needles. While the needles are in place, many people feel relaxed and may choose to rest or dose. I will remain in the room while the needles are left in place for 20 - 40 minutes.

Throughout the appointment I will explain each part of the treatment and answer any questions you may have to help you feel comfotable and at ease.

A person providing a massage or physical therapy to another person's hand and wrist.
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Treatment

  • Close-up of acupuncture needle being inserted into a person's skin during treatment.

    Acupuncture

    Fine, sterile needles are gently placed into specific points on the body to encourage the body’s natural healing response and restore balance.

  • A person receiving a cupping therapy session with suction cups on their back

    Cupping

    A traditional technique where suction cups are used to improve circulation and ease tension in the muscles of the body.

  • Hands holding three polished stones in the shape of hearts, in shades of green, gray, and white with green veining, on a light gray surface.

    Gua Sha

    A scraping method using a smooth tool to help boost circulation, release muscle tension, reduce discomfort, and encourage the body’s natural detoxification process.


  • Acupuncture treatment with needles inserted into a person's back.

    Moxibustion

    A soothing warming therapy that uses gently heated dried mugwort to stimulate acupuncture points and energy flow.