What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine originated in China, where it has been practised for thousands of years.

Classical Acupuncture is the insertion of needles along the meridians, or energetic pathways, located at various points on the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tends to focus more on the physical body, its presenting symptoms and their underlying causes, using a diagnostic pattern to identify any yin-yang and Qi imbalances. TCM is the most commonly practised style of acupuncture in the present day.

Fine, stainless steel needles are inserted into specific points on the body to assist in pain relief, healing and general well-being. Needles are pre-sterilised, disposable and for single use. A number of needles may be used at each treatment and these are typically left in place for up to 30 minutes before being removed, depending on the response required. A needle is manipulated until it connects with a person’s Qi (energy or life force) which may be felt as tingling, heaviness, warmth, numbness or a deep ache sensation, either at the point or along the channel.

Alongside acupuncture, other techniques may be employed such as electroacupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion and cupping.

Women’s health

In Chinese medicine, a woman’s menstrual cycle is indicative of her overall health. I have many years’ experience treating menstrual and hormonal issues and gynaecological disorders, including dysmenorrhoea and menopausal symptoms.

Fertility

In Chinese medicine, the hormonal, digestive, and nervous systems are all inextricably linked. This delicate balance can be affected by poor diet or other contributing lifestyle factors such as a stressful job or an emotionally difficult time. Acupuncture can help to balance these systems in order to reset the body and improve chance of conceiving naturally.

Ideally, I like to see fertility patients for six months prior to conventional medical treatments such as IVF to help the body prepare for the journey ahead.

Men’s fertility

I also treat men with fertility issues. Stress is a common contributory factor; high pressure jobs with long hours, poor diet, too much alcohol and poor sleep are often the case with poor sperm counts and motility.

Pregnancy

Every woman is unique, and so is the journey of her pregnancy. Therefore the health of her child depends on her health and lifestyle. Monthly acupuncture is great for maintaining energy and good health throughout the pregnancy. In the latter stages of pregnancy, acupuncture can be helpful if there are any complications such as breech position, or the baby not engaging properly.

Induction

I find that what I do most is to reassure pregnant women who are anxious about being over their due date. Forty weeks’ gestation is simply an average, and most women’s natural cycles do not exactly adhere to this ‘norm’. Most women who come to me are usually seeking to avoid any medical intervention such as induction, epidural and other drugs, or caesarean section.

Post natal care

Some women experience exhaustion after giving birth, then having to cope with the demands of a newborn baby. Monthly acupuncture is beneficial for maintaining energy and good health after the birth process.

Your first appointment:

After filling in a consent form, your first TCM appointment is an hour long, to allow Maria to understand your full health history, including all past and present conditions. She will also discuss other contributing lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, lifestyle and your emotional health. She will go through a TCM process of diagnosis including inspection, auscultation, olfaction, inquiry and palpation. Maria will then discuss your treatment plan with you based on her findings, and begin treatment on your first appointment.

If your Acupuncture appointment is in conjunction with your Physiotherapist, we will discuss your injury, any issues and your treatment plan together. Maria will do an appropriate treatment based on your injury and any goals. You have the option of discussing more of a TCM approach to your general health and wellbeing at any point if you wish to.

Common conditions that Chinese acupuncture can help:

Acupuncture and TCM is a complete health and wellbeing system. Most ailments, no matter how insignificant, would benefit from a course of acupuncture.

• Pain (Acute or chronic)
• Sleep
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Headaches, Migraines
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Digestive problems
• Nausea
• Fertility
• Pregnancy related issues
• Hormonal issues
• Immunity