Acupuncture & Acupressure - Overview

Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of Chinese Medicine which has been practised successfully for many thousands of years. 

Acupuncture is commonly associated with pain relief; however it is also an effective treatment for many chronic and acute medical conditions.  Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.

Acupuncture is relaxing, revitalising and strengthens the immune system by rebalancing and boosting the body's energy.

Acupressure
Acupressure massage is an alternative treatment.  The diagnosis would be the same as for acupuncture with the treatment differing in that sustained pressure is applied to the acupuncture points rather than the insertion of needles.

How it may help
Acupuncture may be effective for a very wide variety of conditions, some of which are listed below.

• Addictions
• Allergies
• Anxiety & Stress
• Arthritis & Rheumatism
• Asthma & Eczema
• Back Pain
• Bowel Problems
• Chronic Pain
• Feeling Low
• Fertility Problems
• Headaches & Migraines
• High Blood Pressure
• Insomnia
• Low Energy
• Menstrual Problems
• Muscle Pain/Stiffness
• Sports Injuries
• Weak immunity

Contraindications
Acupuncture has virtually no side effects.  Occasionally, for 24 hours after treatment certain patients may experience tiredness, or headache or a slight worsening of symptoms. This is only a temporary reaction to treatment and is usually followed by an improvement in symptoms the following day.

Single use, pre-sterilised disposable needles are used so there is no risk of infection.

 
A typical session
 Your first visit will be longer than subsequent treatments.  This is because a detailed case history needs to be taken to form a diagnosis.

You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatments you are receiving, your medical history, diet and lifestyle.  Your pulses on both wrists and your tongue will also be examined.  From the information gathered, a treatment plan will be devised.

Acupuncture treatment is given on a massage couch and involves inserting very fine needles into the acupuncture points of the body. It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing, to allow easy access to lower legs and arms. However, it may be necessary to remove certain items to allow needling of other areas like the back.

Needles are left in place for approximately 20 minutes.  The needle treatment may be supplemented with moxa (a smouldering herb) which is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body’s energy to flow smoothly, massage and cupping.

Cost / Number of sessions
Response to acupuncture varies from person to person.  Normally an initial course of between 4 – 8 treatments is recommended.  If your complaint is long-standing you may need more treatments.  The number of treatments will be discussed at the initial consultation and a suitable treatment plan worked out.

After an initial problem has cleared up some people continue with treatment as a way of health maintenance and prevention. This would normally be monthly or six weekly.

The first session with Ruth lasts approximately 1 hour.  Subsequent treatments last 45 minutes.

Both Peter's diagnosis session lasts about an hour and his treatment session lasts about 50 minutes.