Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

It is estimated that over 1/4 of the worlds population, use it as their main health resource. Based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works on the basis that your health is maintained by energy (Qi) flowing smoothly through specific channels and meridians in your body. If this flow is weakened or blocked it can create an in balance in the functioning of the body's vital organs.

How does it work?

By using very fine needles to simulate specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can help release energy and re-balance your health. Acupuncture treats underlying conditions as well as symptoms, for example in treating arthritis the pain is treated as well as the cause.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you may need will depend on the nature of your condition, how long you have had it and your overall health. As the effect of acupuncture is accumulative, with each treatment building on the effects of the previous treatments, it is not unusual to see little or no improvement in the 1st or 2nd treatment but to then suddenly experience an improvement after the 5th or 6th treatment.

In general, treatments of acupuncture are given as courses which can vary from 6 weeks to 12 weeks! However, Amanda Hughes constantly re-evaluates your overall health and discusses your response to the treatment at each appointment. This on going assessment of your particular condition means that you will only receive the amount of treatments that you require.

How will I feel after the first acupunture treatment?

Some people feel an immediate relief of their symptoms after an acupuncture treatment, which may or may not remain for few days. For others it may take a few treatments to feel any benefit. The majority of people find the treatment itself very relaxing and calming.

Some people may experience mood changes or changes in their bowel and bladder functions after an acupuncture treatment. This is quite normal and shows that your body is responding to the treatment. However if you are concerned about any aspects of your health, please ring Amanda at the clinic or contact your GP.

What Conditions are treated by acupuncture:

The Worls Health Organisation recognises acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as an effective form of treatment for a wide ranging amount of diseases.

The following are some of the most commonly seen diseases at an acupuncture clinic:

• Infections - Cold, Flu & Viral Infections
• Ear, Nose and Throat Infections - Sinusitis, Hay fever, Rhinitis & Catarrh
• Dermatology - Eczema, Psoriasis & Acne
• Psychological - Depression, Stress, Insomnia & Anxiety
• Musculoskeletal - Arthritis, Sciatica, Back Pain, Sports Injury, Neck pain & Bells Palsy
• Internal Disease - Asthma, Bronchitis, Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Bowel Problems, Diabetes, M.E., Headaches/Migraine, M.S. & Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Genitourinary/Gynaecology - Infertility, Impotence, Prementrual Syndrome, Menstural Problems, Menopause & Cystitis

Acupuncture is covered by major health insurers.

Please look at the page on Traditional Chinese Medicine for further information.