Teresa is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and adheres to the Councils code of Safe Practice and Professional Conduct. British Acupuncture Council members are registered with the Professional Standards Authority which is a government body set up to regulate health and social care providers.
Reasons to have traditional acupuncture
Many people come to acupuncture for :-
- help with specific symptoms or conditions
- help towards maintaining or preserving good health
- improving their overall fitness and general sense of well-being.
How it works
Acupuncture works with the body's innate ability to heal itself. It is a safe and completely natural system of treatment. People often ask "how can inserting needles into the body elicit healing?". The fine hairlike needles are simply a medium for tapping into and manipulating the body's motivating energy which when disrupted imbalances the bodies normal functioning. Acupuncture aims to restore equilibrium to the body. The precise insertion and movement of the needle into very specific points has a catalytic effect. Acupuncture effectively gives a nudge in the right direction or a kick start for the healing process to take place.
What else it involves
Comprehensive dietary and lifestyle advice is also integrated into the programme enabling a more wholesome and sustained treatment outcome as well as encouraging the individual to make choices and decisions in regard to their own health and wellbeing.
Treatment may incorporate other modalities such as moxabustion, cupping and massage.
Why choose acupuncture?
The beauty of Traditional Acupuncture is that it recognises the whole person. It treats the individual rather than just the symptoms, in other words it addresses the root of the problem and not simply the manifestation of it. There is no separation of the emotional from the physical nor an isolation of symptoms from the person themselves.
The treatment process
Appointments generally take 30-45 minutes although the initial assessment usually takes longer (60-75 minutes).
A comprehensive and detailed case history is taken and integrated with other diagnostic information and observations such as examining the tongue, feeling pulses on both wrists and palpation.
You will be advised (as far as it is possible to determine) how many treatments may be required.
Assuming you are happy to proceed with treatment and have given your informed written consent then this will take place.
The needles are usually retained during a 15-20 minute period of relaxation. As acupuncture harmonises energy flow people often report feeling calm and much more at ease afterwards. Plenty of people mention that they look forward to their follow up acupuncture appointments.
At the end of the session potential treatment responses may be discussed and any guidance/advice if not already covered will be offered at this stage. Individuals are always encouraged to fully engage with their treatments and take on board as far as possible any dietary and lifestyle advice as this naturally will be beneficial and will help optimise treatment responses.
Number of treatments required
This will vary depending on what treatment is for, usually an initial course of treatment will be on a weekly basis for 4-6 treatments this will then be reviewed. It may be that no further treatment is required, it may be that more treatments are needed albeit less frequently. In certain cases monthly, bi-monthly maintenance treatments may be recommended as a preventative measure or where acupuncture is chosen as a healthy lifestyle choice.
Whatever the case treatment recommendations and options will be discussed fully and frankly.
Where the needles go
These may be placed anywhere on the body but often on the trunk and limbs. Needles are not necessarily used at the problem area or site of pain, if treatment is for a pain condition. In fact often they are placed away from such areas.
What acupuncture feels like
On insertion a subtle ache or tingle may be felt around the needle. As mentioned above deep relaxation during and after treatment is commonly experienced.
What to wear when coming for treatment
Loose and comfortable clothing is recommended.
For more information about traditional acupuncture please follow this link www.acupuncture.org.uk.