Call Us: 07933 722004
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for generations to improve and maintain health and wellbeing. It originated in China over 2000 years ago. Doctors in China still use it,today, alongside Conventional Medicine, to aid patient care.
Its popularity has spread across the Globe and has resulted in the World Health Organisation (WHO) producing guidelines to ensure standard safe practice around the World. (WHO 2021).
It was introduced into the UK in the 1970’s and is now available on the NHS, in GP surgeries and physiotherapy departments.
Acupuncture - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
NICE (The National Institute for Clinical Excellence) also suggest acupuncture is an effective treatment option for Chronic pain and Migraine.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body. These acupuncture points were mapped by the Chinese over 2000 years ago. The points are found along channels that carry Qi (energy) and forms a network of pathways all over the body. The Acupuncturist inserts needles into these points to regulate the flow of Qi (energy).
WESTERN MEDICINE
The concept of Qi (pronounced ‘Chee’) and the existence of these channels is not a concept that Western Medicine recognises. However, since the introduction of acupuncture Western studies have shown that acupuncture affects the release of endorphins (happy hormones), helps modulate the immune system and shows effect on the nervous system, which may account for the relaxation associated with treatment.
How acupuncture works remains unclear but the fact that it has perpetuated and spread across the World suggests that people derive benefit from this therapy.
WHICH HEALTH CONDITIONS MAY BE SUITABLE FOR ACUPUNCTURE?
For information on the full range of conditions that acupuncture may benefit, please follow the link below:
Acupuncture Research Evidence | BAcC. Highlights include:
- Pain
- Migraine / Headaches
- Sleep issues
- Anxiety
- Menopausal Symptoms
- Fertility issues
COMMON QUESTIONS
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
The needles used are very fine and acupuncture should not be painful. Some people may feel a tingling or dull ache as the practitioner adjusts the needle. This is a sign that the acupuncturist has accessed the Qi in the channel. Some patients do not get a sensation at all. It depends on the individual.
Are there any side effects associated with Acupuncture?
Some patients may feel a little dizzy or sleepy after a treatment. It is important to eat prior to treatment and drink plenty of fluids afterwards. Occasionally acupuncture can result in a small bruise at the site of insertion.
Is acupuncture safe for everyone?
Patients that have bleeding disorders e.g. Haemophilia or are taking Warfarin, should consult their Doctor prior to booking, as this treatment may not be suitable in these instances.
Is there an age limit on people having acupuncture?
No. Acupuncture can be used on all age ranges from children to the elderly.
Acupuncturist
Acupuncturist - DEBBIE BULL
Debbie is a general practitioner of Acupuncture and sees a wide variety of conditions. She graduated with a 3-year BSc Honours Degree, from the renowned College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading, which teaches an integrated style of Five Element and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture. She is a member of the British Acupuncture Council.
Debbie has worked in healthcare all her life. She was one of the very first students in the UK to obtain a BSc in Podiatry and went on to work in the NHS for 13 years, where she treated everything from musculoskeletal issues with the hips, knees, and feet to treating foot ulcers and providing local anaesthetics and nail surgery. I have been so lucky to be able to help people throughout my career.
I loved working in the NHS but really wanted to provide a treatment therapy that treated the whole person rather than specific areas of the body.
I turned to acupuncture to help with IBS symptoms, when nothing else had worked. It really helped me, and I was so impressed I became an Acupuncturist!
ADVICE
If you are wondering if Acupuncture could help you, or would like to discuss your symptoms, please contact Debbie:
Prices:
Initial Appointment: £75
Subsequent Appointments: £60
ACUPUNCTURIST- BARBARA PICKETT
Barbara has over 25 years’ experience and practices an integrated style of traditional Chinese and Five Element acupuncture. She has developed particular areas of interest and expertise over the years, but the strength of Chinese medicine is that it focuses on the requirements of the individual, not just the symptoms or disease label.
Every treatment is unique and tailored to your needs.
Our aim is to create a calm and positive environment in which there is space to talk and be heard. There is time to explore root causes and find a healing formula unique to you. Knowledge is shared to encourage a collaborative approach, speed up progress and ensure lasting results.
Availability: Wednesdays