Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for over 2000 years and is still widely used throughout the world to treat a huge range of conditions. It is an ancient system of medicine which uses the body’s internal energy to stimulate the natural healing processes.

• Fees - see our fee schedule [here]

Why do people come for acupuncture?

People come for a variety of reasons. It may be that they prefer to seek a drug free solution to their problem, because they have mixed symptoms for which there seems no explanation or because their condition has failed to respond to conventional medicine. Treatment is suitable for all ages.

Any condition can potentially be helped within the limits of nature. Acupuncture treats the whole person and is certainly not just for pain as many people think. It can be used on its own or alongside conventional medicine for acute and chronic conditions and for emotional and physical complaints. Examples include respiratory, digestive, skin, gynaecological and musculoskeletal conditions, headaches, depression and anxiety.

Pregnancy and fertility

Acupuncture is widely recognised for it's success in addressing fertility issues as well as during pregnancy and in preparation for birth. Acupuncture can address many conditions for which medication may not be acceptable during pregnancy; morning sickness, heartburn and sciatica to name but a few. Acupuncture can be used in helping the body to prepare for birth. Such treatments have been shown to reduce the length of labour and the amount of intervention. We can also show you and your birth partner some acupressure techniques which may be used during labour.

• What happens in treatment?  The first consultation involves taking a medical history and a detailed discussion of symptoms. Extremely fine, sterile needles are usually then applied to specific points. Other techniques include cupping and moxabustion (a gentle warming treatment). Sometimes acupressure is more appropriate. Patients often report a sense of clarity and relaxation after treatment.  We place great emphasis on the relationship of the patient and practitioner. Whilst we treat and correct the imbalances we aim also to give the patient insight into their condition and the information they need to maintain their own health.

• How often?  It is usual to have one treatment a week at first, occasionally twice if necessary. As the condition improves treatment becomes less frequent. Many people have occasional treatments as a preventative measure.

• Safety  Acupuncture has an exceptionally good safety record. Always use a British Acupuncture Council registered practitioner. Look for the letters MBAcC, call the Council on 0208 735 0400 or use their website www.acupuncture.org.uk to check.

• Giving blood  If you are a blood donor, acupuncture is still possible; we can issue a certificate for this.

• Any questions? Please feel free to talk to us without feeling obliged to come for treatment. You can contact us at the Broad Street Practice.

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LOUISE LIPMAN MBAcC MSc DipAc
JAI FRANKLIN MBAcC BA(Hons)
TRISH FARROW MBAcC BA(Hons)

As a team of acupuncturists we can draw on a broad background of experience.