Acupuncture and Acupressure have been practiced in China and the Far East for thousands of years as an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

They are safe and effective systems of healing and can treat people of all ages with a broad spectrum of illnesses. According to Chinese philosophy, our physical health is dependent on the balanced flow of Qi, the universal life force.

The smooth flow of Qi could be disturbed by a number of factors, among them emotional stress, anger, fear or grief, hereditary dispositions or outside influences such as poor nutrition, infection or trauma.

My approach:

Each treatment is individually tailored to your needs. I use Classical Chinese medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Five elements approach. Also with body acupuncture I will often use ear acupuncture, cupping, moxabustion and massage. I may include dietary and exercise advice.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture model

• A system of Chinese medicine practised for more then 3000 years
• The vital life energy ‘Qi’ flows through the body via a network of energy channels
• Disease occurs when the natural flow of Qi in those channels becomes blocked, depleted or out of balance
• Emotional stress, diet, overwork, living conditions, infections, injury, or be age related can cause disease
• There are more than 450 points along the channels
• By inserting needles into acupuncture points, the flow of Qi can be rebalanced
• Symptoms are often due to the body trying to rebalance itself, so when this is achieved they will disappear.

What happens during treatment?

• The first treatment lasts up to 60 minutes, later treatments take around 45 minutes
• A full case history will assess your symptoms, medication, past medical history, life style, diet and sleep
• The diagnosis is made based on your individual symptoms, examining the tongue, feeling the pulse strengths
• A treatment plan is made and a number of points are carefully selected
• The minimum number of needles are used, typically 3 or 4, but occasionally more. If there are any needle-related worries, acupressure may be used instead.
• The needles are sterile, single-use disposables, made of stainless steel and are left in place for up to 20 minutes while the patient relaxes.

Acupuncture can help you with:

• Energy levels/fatigue
• Relief from chronic pain, post-operative recovery
• Headaches, migraines
• Anxiety, stress, emotional issues
• Sinus problems
• IBS, arthritis
• RSI/tennis elbow, pain in back and the joints
• Skin problems
• Fertility, pregnancy, menstrual and hormonal imbalances
• Respiratory illnesses including asthma and bronchitis.

Treatments could combine moxa, cupping, ear acupuncture and massage if needed.

cupping

ear acupuncture

moxa

You may notice a slight prickling sensation or a curious tingling as the needle is inserted into the skin. Many people experience a pleasant feeling of relaxation during and after treatment.

It varies from patient to patient. The longer you have had the problem the more treatments you are likely to need, but most people notice improvement even after their first treatment, and long term benefit after 6 treatments.

It varies from your condition. Initially it is advised every 1 to 2 weeks.

Traditionally acupuncture is also used as a preventative medicine

– ‘to begin treatment when the disease is already raging is like digging a well only when one feels thirsty…’

More information about acupuncture could be found British Acupuncture council web site.

For a FREE initial telephone consultation or to book your appointment please contact me on  07718 535549 or email info@acupunctureinhove.org.uk

I work at About Balance, 22, Gloucester place, Brighton,BN1 4AA using calm and private treatment rooms. My clients come from Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Portslade, and all over East and West Sussex. Home visits also possible.