What is Acupuncture & How Does It Work?

In Chinese Medicine, we assess imbalances by examining the pulses on each arm and observing the tongue to determine the body’s healing priorities. Each session is uniquely tailored to address these priorities, using this information to connect with your mind and body, pinpoint areas of stress and energy blockages, and support your healing journey. A wide range of therapeutic techniques—both manual and non-manual—are used to assist the body in restoring balance.

Acupuncture plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s equilibrium, which can be disrupted by various factors such as lifestyle, trauma, diet, emotional distress, or injury. In many cases, acupuncture is an effective therapy to help restore harmony, both physically and emotionally.

For nearly every illness recognised in Western medicine, Chinese Medicine offers an individualised interpretation. Acupuncture treats the whole person, not just a single condition. As a result, more and more people in the UK are turning to acupuncture to support their well-being.

Common issues acupuncture can help with:

• Physical aches and pains

• Mental health concerns

• Chronic pain: Whether it’s back pain, headaches, arthritis, or other conditions.

• Stress and anxiety: In today’s fast-paced world, stress is pervasive and can impact both physical and mental health. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element Acupuncture provide a calming antidote by harmonising the body’s energy and promoting relaxation.

• Insomnia: Sleep is vital for overall well-being, yet many struggle with insomnia and other sleep disorders.

• Fertility, menstruation and menopause: Many women face challenges such as fertility issues, period pain, PMS, hot flushes, and brain fog. Acupuncture can offer supportive relief throughout these stages.

• Digestive disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux can significantly affect quality of life.

• Supporting you through cancer treatment: Acupuncture can help manage the emotional and mental load of cancer treatment, while also alleviating many side effects caused by medications.
  
  

Acupuncture works harmoniously with other therapies, including chiropractic care, naturopathy, myotherapy, and physiotherapy. By helping the body release underlying emotional stresses, acupuncture enhances and supports the positive changes these treatments bring, promoting a deeper sense of balance and well-being.

What does a session involve?

An initial assessment runs for 90 minutes, and subsequent sessions last approximately 45 minutes.
We start with a brief conversation about any physical symptoms and areas you would like to improve. Your acupuncturist will then take your pulses and examine your tongue to gauge where the imbalances lie and decide on the best treatment approach for that day.

Once your acupuncturist has developed a treatment plan, they will use their skills to apply acupuncture needles or other techniques such as gua sha, cupping, moxibustion (moxa), auricular acupuncture, or acupressure to help harmonise your pulses and energy.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very different from those used for injections. They are much thinner and usually cause little or no pain. You may feel a sensation once the needle reaches the acupuncture point, often described as a ‘tingling’, ‘dull ache’ or a ‘warm’ feeling.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

It’s difficult to give a definitive answer, as each person is unique and every treatment is tailored individually. Recovery time can vary widely depending on the nature and duration of the issue. Generally, the longer you’ve had a condition, the longer it may take to resolve. However, most people start to feel benefits within six sessions.

Would I benefit from acupuncture?

Absolutely.

Our daily lives present many situations that can cause stress, pain, panic, and move us out of alignment with how we wish to feel and live. Keeping up with a fast-paced environment can also lead to injury or unwanted physical and emotional stresses. Acupuncture helps balance your mind, body, and spirit, supporting you to live your life to its fullest potential.