My approach
I have received training in Traditional Chinese Medicine which has a basis in treating the body as a whole to adjust the patterns of disharmony that cause disease. Therefore, each acupuncture treatment I provide is highly individualised to the particular patient based on medical history, presentation of symptoms and other corroborating information.
An initial consultation will involve in-depth questioning about your medical history, diet, and lifestyle in order to help me gain a rounded perspective of your overall health and the imbalances that are present. I will look at your tongue and take your pulse, and palpation of a local area may be necessary. Follow-up consultations will involve fewer questions, but will re-cap on the presenting signs and symptoms and will allow for new information, in order to establish if any natural changes have occurred, and to see if progress is being made.
The needles will be inserted for approximately 20-30 minutes of this overall consultation time. If you are receiving ear acupuncture, needles will be inserted for approximately 45 minutes. During acupuncture you may experience some tingling, a dull ache, a feeling of heat, or an electric sensation - all of which are normal. Most people find the treatment itself very relaxing and calming.
Many acupuncture points are located on the arms and legs, but you may need to remove certain items of clothing. I recommend wearing loose fitting clothing that can be easily rolled up or moved aside.
Acupuncture points can be stimulated in a variety of ways, and I also use moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, electro-acupuncture and acupressure in my treatments.
Ill-health is produced by a myriad of factors and acupuncture is one component by which you can promote good health. By choosing to have acupuncture with me, you and I can work together to establish possible diet and lifestyle changes that will also help to improve your health.
Measuring the success of the treatments is important, and we can work together to establish reference points to determine the progress being made.
I have always had a strong interest in Eastern philosophy and practice Buddhist meditation regularly. I have studied Wisdom Qi Gong and have attained 3 belts in Lau Gar Kung Fu. I have previously worked within the NHS and I have a huge respect for conventional medicine. However, I find that acupuncture enables me to help people who have tried orthodox methods with little success, or those who wish to have another perspective on health.
