What is acupuncture?

A form of ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine in which fine needles stimulate points throughout the body. Sometimes called an alternative therapy in western medicine, for me, there is nothing alternative about it; it’s my main-stream, go-to treatment of choice for overall health.

Why have acupuncture?

Because it works! 1.3 billion people can’t be wrong, in China there are whole hospitals dedicated to the practice of acupuncture. It can treat a whole host of symptoms with no nasty side effects and all you have to do is lie on a comfy couch for 20 minutes. Think about it, if all else has failed what have you got to lose?

What is it good for?

Bringing you back to balance, pain-relief, anxiety and depression, in fact, it’s probably easier to list what it’s not good for but if you don’t believe me, check this out.  http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2004/oct/10amaro.html

Will it hurt?

My needles are very thin and not painful. A slight aching or tingling on insertion of the needles is usual, this is the bodies energy (Qi), being stimulated. Patients often feel very relaxed or invigorated afterwards, if the treatment has been particularly strong, you might feel the need to sleep, great, go and rest.

How long will it take?

Up to 1 hour, 20 minutes for the consultation, 10 minutes being pinned up, 20 minutes relaxing with the needles in and 10 minutes post treatment chat.

Will I need to get undressed?

The majority of the acupuncture points are below the knee or elbow, so most treatments will not require the removal of your bikini or board shorts. However it might be necessary to needle points on the abdomen or affected areas, as in back pain.

What should I do before a treatment?

Try not to eat a big meal within an hour of your treatment and keep off the alcohol and any other stimulants, legal or otherwise. All these effect the pattern of the pulse and the colour /coating of the tongue, two of my main diagnostic tools.

How often will I need it?

Depends on what’s up, how much time we have – piece of string territory really, but even one or two treatments can make a big impact.

Is It safe?

My needles are very, very clean and when it comes to acupuncture, I’m not into recycling. I have a BA Hons Degree  in Acupuncture, which is currently the highest level of training available, this, combined with 10 years clinical practice and my work in remote areas of the world, gives me a good base to work from.

How much does it cost?

My rates are flexible. Ultimately, in the rest of my ever-shortening life, I want to treat as many people as possible, so contact me and we’ll find a solution that works for both of us. Sometimes we can even come to a nice old-fashioned barter/trade agreement.