What happens when you have an acupuncture treatment?
 

Your initial consultation will usually take up to two hours. During this time a medical and family history is taken, as well as, a few simple Eastern palpatory and abdominal diagnostics. These help me to evaluate your energy and proposed treatments. In some cases advice on lifestyle may be given to help the patient’s recovery.

It is helpful if little or no make-up is worn and strong perfumes are avoided during this inital consultation.

 
 
                 
 


Over the first few treatments my aim is to re-established balance within your energy. This is achieved by using a mixture of techniques - needling with fine disposable stainless steel acupuncture needles; Moxibustion, applying heat in the form of moxa, a special herb, used to bring warmth to a specific point and Cupping (illustrated above centre & right photos), using specialised ‘cups’ on the affected area of the torso to stimulate blood circulation and the underlying muscles.
   
 

What is Traditional Acupuncture?

Traditional acupuncture has been developing for over 2,000 years. It is based upon theories and principles, which aim to achieve balance and harmony within the energy, called ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) within the individual. This energy is considered to be at all levels of the body, mind and spirit.

The five elements work together in order to maintain health and harmony at all levels.  It is only when they become imbalanced that symptoms occur. Detection of energetic imbalances is the key tool practitioners’ use to re-establish a patient’s health.  A skilled practitioner will diagnose and treat the root cause of the disease, according to the precepts of traditional acupuncture, to restore balance and harmony.

5-Element acupuncture observes the Chinese interpretation of the rhythms and cycle of nature. It also incorporates acupuncture theories and techniques practiced within China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. 

A study of patients receiving acupuncture in six clinics in America, found that:

  • 70% of those recommended for surgery avoided it.
  • 84% reported seeing the GP less.
  • 77% saw a physiotherapist less.
  • 79% reduced their use of prescription drugs under medical supervision.

(Source: Health Visions 2002 by Claire Cassidy)
   
 
Stratford Acupuncture