What Exactly Is Acupuncture? This holistic treatment is part of a system of medicine that has been practised in the Far East for 3000 years. Its focus encompasses the whole person, including their symptoms, to ascertain the root of the illness and reduces any possibility of recurrence.
How Does it Work? Qi is a fundamental concept in acupuncture. This vital energy is instrumental in motivating and determining our emotional and physical well being. It is when the equilibrium of this energy has been disturbed that disease may begin to develop.
Qi flows through the body along pathways known as meridians and at certain points on each meridian the energy can be accessed and rebalanced.
Acupuncturists rebalance the body’s energy by inserting needles into points chosen according to the patient and their condition. The body can begin to heal itself when its energy has been rebalanced.
Acupuncture practitioners also encourage patients to actively participate in their own healing by addressing lifestyle issues which may be contributing to their condition.
What is the Treatment Like? Almost half the treatment involves detailed questioning of the patient about their lifestyle and health issues. The patient’s pulse will be taken and his tongue observed to aid the practitioner’s assessment of his condition. A diagnosis is then made, before appropriate points are selected and treated with acupuncture.
What Does It Feel Like? Insertion of the needles is painless, but patients usually experience a sensation when the needle makes contact with the energy at the point. This can feel different for each patient, but may be a numbness, tingling or heaviness. This initial sensation lasts a few seconds and indicates to the practitioner that the Qi has been influenced.
Needles are usually left in for up to twenty minutes, during which time most patients experience a feeling of calm and relaxation. It is quite common to feel very tired after the treatment has finished, particularly if it is the first session.
After the treatment, feelings of general relaxation or increased energy can be experienced as the energy starts to rebalance.
At Shambhala Studios we have two resident acupuncturists – Lorna Withers and Dan Thompson specialising in fertility and gynaecological issues; anxiety and stress-related illnesses; arthritis, rheumatism and joint pain; asthma; tinnitus, headaches, neuralgia and migraine; irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and hemorrhoids; menstrual problems, morning sickness and post natal illness; frozen shoulder, sciatica and other back pains; facial rejuvenation.
About Your Acupuncturist. Practitioners are required to be members of the British Acupuncture Council to ensure that insurance liabilities are covered and codes of practice, ethics and conduct followed.
Only sterile disposable needles are used and these are properly discarded after use.
