What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture has ancient roots going back over 2000 years and is based on the idea that ill health and pain result from blockages that stop qi (energy) flowing freely. Treatment involves the insertion of fine, solid, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific points on the body to activate the flow of qi through channels and clear any obstructions. Obstructions can result from many factors including injury, infection, emotional trauma and poor nutrition.
An acupuncturist's skill lies in their ability to make a diagnosis from what is often a complex pattern of disharmony. The exact pattern and degree of disharmony is unique to each individual and it will be treated as such. As your holistic health practitioner in Yeovil, I will devise a personalised treatment plan with you.
What Does It Treat?
Acupuncture treats a very wide range of conditions and there is a growing body of evidence-based clinical research showing the benefits of acupuncture for many common health conditions. NICE specifically recommends acupuncture treatment for: arthritis, migraines, tension headaches, allergic rhinitis, fertility support, IVF, back and neck pain, depression and cancer support.
Please contact me to find out about your specific health condition.
If you'd like to find out more about my approach please see my 'What I offer' page
What should I expect at the initial consultation?
After I have taken your case history, I will ask you to get up onto the couch. I will make sure you are warm and comfortable and choose a point combination based on the information gathered.
Needles are usually inserted for about 20 minutes. The insertion is usually barely felt, though some people experience a slight prick and a mild tingle or ache. People commonly report that they feel deeply relaxed on the couch. I will sit quietly in the room whilst you rest, before removing the needles.
What should I expect in a follow-up treatment?
We will discuss how you are and I will take your pulse and look at your tongue to assess any changes. Different points and treatment strategies may be used depending on this feedback.
How often should I come?
The effects of acupuncture treatment are cumulative so I generally recommend weekly sessions for 4 – 6 weeks to start seeing the benefits. I will reassess your progress as we go along and drop down frequency to fortnightly as you get better. The duration of treatment is highly individual and depends on various factors including the length of time you've been ill. Many people choose to return for regular monthly or seasonal treatments to stay healthy and boost immunity.
Acupuncture can also involve
Depending on the diagnosis I may also use moxibustion, guasha, electro or cupping to enhance the effects of the treatment.
Moxibustion
The burning of the herb Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) on or near the skin to stimulate acupuncture points and deeply warm areas such as arthritic joints that are worse for cold weather.
Guasha
The use of oil and a smooth-edged tool to gently but firmly scrape areas of the body where there is inflammation or tension to promote healing and improve circulation.
Cupping
The application of glass or plastic suction cups to increase circulation, loosen muscles, reduce pain and inflammation and ease symptoms such as lung congestion.
Electro-Acupuncture
Uses the gentle pulse of an electric current to enhance treatment and is especially helpful for pain and muscular spasms. (Contraindicated in certain cases eg. pacemaker)
We will also discuss any lifestyle changes that will nourish and support you.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with me
Find out more about acupuncture, what it involves and how I can help you today.
Sarah Hitchens
BA Hons. Lic.Ac. Dip.Ac. MBAcC. Dip.Med.Herb. MNIMH
Somerset, East Devon and West Dorset
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