You’ve probably heard about acupuncture but perhaps aren’t quite sure what it is. It’s been receiving a lot of attention recently in the press, and deservedly so. Acupuncture is in fact one of the largest and most widely accepted forms of complementary medicine in the world. There’s a growing body of clinical research proving the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for a wide range of illnesses.It’s a therapy that addresses imbalances in a person’s life-energy, or chi. Imbalances like this can lead to sluggishness, fatigue and emotional and physical problems that often manifest in more serious illnesses. Acupuncture seeks to address these imbalances and restore equilibrium to produce a vibrancy and vitality that is felt both physically and emotionally.
Here’s a short list of conditions which acupuncture has been used to treat:
Backache and general muscles aches and pains, sciatica, RSIStress, insomnia, anxiety, depression
Digestive problems, IBS, Chrons disease
Gynaecological and menstrual disorders
Urinary problems
Joint problems, arthritis, frozen shoulder
Headaches, migraines, dizziness, tinnitus
Colds, sinusitis, asthma, hay fever
Infertility (male and female)
High blood pressure
Pregnancy management and childbirth
For now you probably have a few questions as someone coming to acupuncture for the first time. We’ll address some of the more important ones here:
What does it feel like?
First time clients generally feel worried about the fact acupuncturists use needles. What does it feel like? Will it be painful? How many needles are used? Well generally you won’t even feel the needles go in. This is because they aren’t like the ones you might have had for a blood test. Acupuncture needles are single-use, extremely fine, sterile and safe. They go in without pain and once inserted you probably won’t even feel them. What you will feel is perhaps a slight tingling, or heaviness in your limbs. The sensation is generally relaxing and invigorating. The number of needles used varies from session to session, but often from six to twelve are used.
Is it safe?
In a word, Yes! All of our therapists have undergone three years third-level University Education in acupuncture as well as over 400 hours in an award-winning Central London acupuncture clinic. We follow safety guidelines as laid down by the British Acupuncture Council, the UK’s leading regulatory body for the discipline, and all our procedures have been approved by the Department of Health.
What will happen on my first visit?
Your first visit is almost always a revelation. Here we’ll go into detail concerning your medical history, your emotional wellbeing and where you’re at at this moment in time. Now if you’ve just sprained your elbow playing tennis this might not be so relevant. But we’ve found that many illnesses have their roots not just in acute physical causes but also in the long-term physical, emotional and life-style patterns that you’ve laid down in the past. Clients often feel this to be intuitively true themselves but sometimes need the help of a therapist to unlock the root cause of their problem. All the information you give us is held in the strictest confidence (we’re bound by a Code of Professional Ethics much like your GP) and is held under the terms of the Data Protection Act. Speaking of your GP, we’re happy to communicate with them if you’d like.
How many sessions will I need?
On your first visit we’ll address your needs and give you your first treatment if appropriate. We’ll also work out a treatment plan that takes into account how busy you are, how often you want to visit us as well as any financial concerns you might have. Treatment plans often range from four to six sessions. For long-term conditions that may take some time to resolve ask about our treatment packages.
Clinic Hours
The Allwell Centre acupuncture clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm (last appointment at 5pm), late on Thursday night (until 9pm), and on flexible hours over the weekend. Early morning sessions (from 7.30am to 9am) can be arranged by special appointment. All appointments should be arranged beforehand via phone or email.
Prices
Treatment costs are £40 per individual session. Reductions are given for bookings of 5 or more sessions. Substantial discounts are provided for those aged over 65 years of age.
Paying for your session
Please pay for your session on the day of your treatment using cash, credit, debit card or cheque. Remember also that many health-care plans and health insurers now cover acupuncture, often for up to ten or more sessions per year. So do ask!
And what about Cupping, Moxibustion and Tuina Massage?
Finally a word about these three important adjunct therapies to acupuncture: Cupping uses glass suction cups to draw chi and blood to specific areas to stimulate metabolism; Moxibustion uses warming herbs to likewise stimulate energy flow on the body and Tuina Massage is a unique form of bodywork that likewise does the same. While all three can be used as stand-alone therapies we feel they’re best used in combination with acupuncture to bring you the best results possible. This might mean that in any one treatment you could have one, or all three methods, used with acupuncture. Your therapist will advise you at each step of the way.