Acupuncture’ is the term used to describe the insertion of ultra-fine sterilised needles in to the superficial layers of your skin.

 

There is an ever growing body of clinical research and scientific studies which are proving the efficacy of Acupuncture and therefore it is becoming increasingly popular and more integrated in to our mainstream healthcare system.

 

The Acupuncture we provide at Cinnabar Fields incorporates both traditional techniques and more modern medical-style techniques.  We also provide Acupuncture for Cosmetic purposes.

Traditional Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has been practised in many parts of the world for thousands of years.  The focus is on you as an individual, not just your illness, and all your symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Each patient is unique, so two people with the same diagnosis may well receive different acupuncture treatments.

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The more modern style of Acupuncture is usually referred to as “Medical Acupuncture” and it is based on a Western or “Allopathic” approach to health care.

 

Whichever style of Acupuncture we select for you we take a holistic approach and aim to discover and treat the root of your illness as well as the presenting symptoms, which can lead to a more permanent resolution of your problem.

 

Acupuncture can be used for a wide range of physical, mental and emotional health conditions. It is a very gentle form of treatment and so it is safe for everyone from babies to adolescents, adults to the elderly.

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WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE NEEDLES?

Many people worry that acupuncture will be painful, however, when done correctly by a properly trained professional there should not be any pain.

Sensations often reported are: dull ache, tingling, warmth, slight pinch, heaviness and numbness etc the sensations generally last around 1 to 2 seconds at most.

 

Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to the needles used in injections and blood tests. They are not much thicker than a human hair and are flexible. Patients are often surprised to find that they do not feel the needle penetrate the skin and once in place it is hardly noticeable.

 

Some patients prefer not to have needles, in which case other methods of stimulating acupuncture points can be used such as acupressure - the method of applying pressure with a blunt object to an acupuncture point. This technique is very effective and can be used on babies, or people who are needle phobic.

WHAT HAPPENS AT MY APPOINTMENTS?

At your initial consultation your practitioner will make a full assessment and diagnosis based on the principles of Chinese Medicine.  There will be a discussion about your current health and medical history. Please bring a list of medications (including supplements) you are taking and the dosages.

 

You will be asked about subjects such as your lifestyle and diet, sleep patterns and emotional state as well as your bodily systems (i.e. digestive, urinary, etc).  Once all this information is gathered each subsequent treatment will be tailored according to your individual needs and presenting condition.

 

Acupuncture points are located all over the body. In order to access some of the points, you may be asked to undress to your underwear, or roll up trousers/sleeves. A blanket will be placed over you to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease.

 

Ultra-fine sterile acupuncture needles will be inserted into the superficial layers of your skin, usually for only one or two seconds but sometimes they may be retained for around 20 minutes depending on the effect required.

 

Your initial consultation and treatment may take up to two hours, but follow up sessions will take around 45-50 minutes.  At these sessions you will be given an opportunity to discuss the changes you have experienced since your previous treatment and review your treatment plan.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED AND HOW OFTEN?

Positive changes may occur very quickly after just a couple of acupuncture treatments but it is more likely that you will need a course of treatments. It is suggested that you initially have five or six sessions spaced roughly a week apart, however for certain conditions it may be advised that you have twice weekly sessions until your symptoms show improvement.

 

Your practitioner will discuss your progress at each session and you will be advised of the frequency of any future treatment that may be required.

RESPONSES AND REACTIONS TO TREATMENT

During an acupuncture treatment most people experience a sense of well-being, a calm state of mind and a deep level of relaxation.

 

There is a very uncommon possibility that you may experience some unwanted side effects or adverse reactions during treatment, such as nausea or light-headedness, but these usually pass quickly.  Your practitioner has a first aid certificate and is trained to deal with these situations.  Acupuncture may sometimes cause some minor bruising on those with sensitive or delicate skin.

 

After an acupuncture treatment it is not unusual to feel tired or drowsy for a few hours and you should take this into account if you are planning to drive or do strenuous activities.

 

It is advised that you avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment, drink plenty of water and if possible avoid stressful situations and intense physical activity. This is in order to give the acupuncture a chance to work and maximise its effectiveness.

 

Please be aware that occasionally there may be a short-term flair-up of your symptoms as your body heals. This is not a cause for concern and should pass quickly.

WHY HAVE ACUPUNCTURE / CAN IT HELP ME

Evidence-based clinical research is discovering how acupuncture safely benefits a wide range of conditions and eases many symptoms.

 

The British Acupuncture Council have produced a series of Research Fact Sheets and Review Papers to provide accurate and unbiased general information for a variety of conditions.

 

Often people come to acupuncture with a specific health complaint that might be acute (such as a recent injury), or chronic (a long standing complaint).  Some patients seek help because they just feel ‘out of sorts’.  They are often frustrated because they feel unwell but do not have specific symptoms that fit in to a western medical diagnosis.

 

The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better sleep, increased focus and mental clarity and an enhanced sense of overall wellbeing.   In fact, once patients feel well and healthy again it is not unusual for them to continue to have regular treatments because they find it so beneficial and relaxing.

 

Please contact us if you want to discuss how you might benefit from receiving treatment. We are happy to talk about your specific condition(s) and answer any questions you have.

 

ONE-OFF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS

Most treatments are done as part of an initial course to get you well or for long-term maintenance.

However there are some circumstances where a one–off treatment can help, even if you have not had acupuncture before. For example:

 

• Treatment during pregnancy to naturally induce labour (past forty weeks).

• Treatment during pregnancy to turn a breech baby.

• Acupressure workshop with your birthing partner to teach them how to apply acupressure

  whilst you are in labour.  Not only does this help ease the labour for you, but it gives your

  partner a focus, a role to perform and helps them feel they are a useful part of the process.

• Treatment to prevent jet lag is done within a few hours of landing and before you would go

  to bed.

THE BRITISH ACUPUNCTURE COUNCIL

Acupuncture is used worldwide as a valid system of healthcare and in the UK the profession is regulated by the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

 

The BAcC maintains high standards of education, ethics, discipline, and practice, and aims to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times.  By choosing to visit a BAcC member at Cinnabar Fields Clinic, you can be assured of:

 

• Rigorous training (minimum three years degree level), in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine theory and clinical practice.  Also extensive training in biomedical sciences (anatomy, pathology and physiology), and other appropriate elements of western medicine.

 

• Adherence to the Council’s Codes of Professional Conduct and Safe Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for equipment used in your treatment. These procedures have been approved by the Department of Health.

 

• Compliance with current health and safety legislation – including a first aid certification.

 

• Full medical malpractice and public/products liability insurance cover.

 

• Up-to-date practice skills maintained by a mandatory 30 hours each year of continuing professional development (CPD) training.

 

You can learn more about the British Acupuncture Council by visiting their website at: www.acupuncture.org.uk or by calling: 020 8735 0400.

ACUPUNCTURE AND YOUR GP