What is Acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is a holistic healing system originating in China and the Far East that has been used for several thousand years to help promote and maintain health and wellbeing. 

Very fine sterile needles are inserted into specific points which connect with the bodies energy (Qi). In good health this energy flows freely around the body, in ill health this energy can be stuck causing pain or become depleted causing many mental emotional symptoms. The overall aim is to direct the flow of Qi to trigger your bodies healing response and restore physical, emotional, and mental equilibrium (in body, mind, and spirit).

It is using this theory of free-flowing Qi that I will select appropriate points to restore balance where your body needs it. Traditional Acupuncture treats your whole being as well as your specific symptoms, so as the condition being treated improves, you may notice other health problems resolve and gain an increased feeling of wellbeing. Each person is unique in their experience of life and Acupuncture aims to restore the balance to who you are as an individual. 

Two Systems of Treatment 

I combine two systems of Acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Five Element Acupuncture. 

TCM identifies imbalances through examination and questioning which works well for structural conditions (such as shoulder pain, back pain etc) and physical conditions (such as IBS, regulating the menstrual cycle). 

Five element Acupuncture considers that people can be defined as five core elemental types (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) one of which tends to be constitutionally weaker then the other. These elements are associated with emotional states, an inappropriate emotional state is treated with as much focus as a physical symptom and indicates a lack of balance (even if it is not presenting as ill health). This type of Acupuncture seeks to provide balance at this deep emotional level and patients report a general improvement in spirits, health, and outlook on life. This approach is often effective for conditions with no obvious physical cause by addressing the underlying emotional issues. 

Combing these two modalities allows me to combine the best of both worlds and aims to redress the balance required for you as an individual. 

How Many Treatments will I need?

Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition. Factors such as how long you have had the issue and how your lifestyle impacts this will play a part. Normally you will visit your Acupuncturist once or twice weekly at first, although some conditions require less frequent treatments. Many people choose to carry on treatments monthly or even every 6-8 weeks to maintain results, help address issues as they arise, or as a “preventative medicine” to support general health and wellbeing. 

 What should I wear?

Please wear loose comfortable clothing. I will need to access to areas from the elbow down to hands, knee down to feet in addition to your back and abdomen. If your condition is a purely physical one I will also need to access to the specific areas where you have a physical issue. Acupuncture points need direct access to your skin so you will need to remove any clothing in the area to be treated. Please note that Acupuncture points cover all areas of the body and points will be selected that are the most appropriate to your individual needs. Your comfort will always come first. 

Are there any side effects? 

As acupuncture involves the insertion of needles there will sometimes be a small bruise where the needle was inserted. Most people find treatment a relaxing and enjoyable experience. To help me to ensure that there are no unwanted side effects, please let me know any medications that you are taking, such as anti-coagulants. Also let me know if feel hot or the room is stuffy, or you are hungry/thirsty (please make sure that you have eaten/had fluids prior to treatment)

What can it do for me? 

Some people seek acupuncture to help relieve specific conditions, especially pain conditions such as tension headaches, migraines, neck, or back pain. Others choose Acupuncture as they feel that their bodily functions are imbalanced but have no substantial diagnosis, others still are lacking a general feeling of imbalance or wellbeing. Whatever your reason for treatment, as Acupuncture treats your whole being, as treatments progresses you may find that other niggling health issues improve as a result. 

Many people have regular treatments to maintain their sense of wellbeing, others may maintain treatment to prevent flare ups of issues such as migraines. In most circumstances Acupuncture can be given alongside other therapies and / or medications. 

Does it Hurt?

It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as the acupuncturist adjusts the needle. This sensation is known as Deqi. Acupuncture needles are so fine that many people do not feel them being inserted. While the needles are in place, most people feel relaxed and enjoy feeling the benefits as the treatment progresses. 

First Treatment        

Your first treatment is an extended appointment and includes a full consultation to discuss your main concern, day to day health and medical history. You will also be asked a number of questions about your general health and wellbeing. Your pulse will be taken to allow me an insight into your current energetic balance, as well as looking at your tongue which reflects what is going on in your body. Please allow up to an hour and a half for the initial consultation. 

Subsequent Appointments

Each follow up treatment provides an opportunity to review progress, ask further questions where relevant, as well as taking your pulses and looking at your tongue. Please allow 55 minutes for subsequent treatments. 

Treatment room is based in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire