Acupuncture is a powerful system of treatment, which originated in China and has developed over thousands of years. Acupuncture works to help maintain your body’s equilibrium. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of ‘qi’, your body’s vital energy. For a number of lifestyle and environmental reasons, qi can become disturbed, depleted or blocked, which can result in some symptoms of pain, illness or disease. In many cases, traditional acupuncture can be an effective therapy to help restore balance and promote physical and emotional harmony.
Some people turn to acupuncture to help with a specific condition or symptoms. While other people choose to have acupuncture to help maintain good health, as a preventative measure, or to improve their general wellbeing.
During the first consultation, the practitioner carries out a thorough assessment including medical history, details of previous treatment, details of likes and dislikes, sleep patterns and emotional state. Diagnosis also includes an examination of pulse, tongue and blood pressure. Based on the diagnosis the practitioner will put together your personal treatment plan.
Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used in injections and blood tests since they are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or a dull ache. Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. The needles used are single-use, sterile and disposable. There are around 500 recognised Acupuncture points on the body of which about 100 are most commonly used. Other techniques may also be used, such as moxabustion, a method of stimulating energy by heating it with smoldering herbs called moxa. During the treatment sessions most people experience pleasant relaxation and often immediate changes in their symptoms.
The initial consultation takes 80 minutes; subsequent appointments are 40 minutes. Treatment usually begins on a weekly basis and, as symptoms improve, the interval is increased. The rate of improvement tends to depend on the individual rather than the complaint itself
Membership of the British Acupuncture Council denotes that a practitioner has completed extensive training in Traditional Acupuncture at an approved college. To practice at CHHC, Acupuncturists must be current members. All Practitioners at CHHC are trained in Five Elements Acupuncture.
A Holistic Centre of Excellence in Cheltenham
