Your own vital energy (Qi)  is the life force that keeps the body, mind and spirit balanced and allows your body to function healthily. Qi flows constantly throughout the body and allows the body to repair itself should any imbalance (sometimes described as excess and deficiencies of Qi) occur. Qi is like any other scientific force and consists of equal and opposite qualities - Yin and Yang. If these become imbalanced illness can result. The imbalance of Yin and Yang and the resultant imbalance of Yin and Yang could be caused by damage to the body, disease or just ordinary every day anxiety, stress, anger or fear. As previously explained Chinese masters analysed Qi and determined the pathways that Qi travels through the body. The Acupuncture treatment focuses on the located points in the body where Qi communicates with the surface of the body. Through treatment the balance, or harmony, of Yin and Yang can be restored.

Is Acupuncture Painful?

Acupuncture is an experience very different from people's normal experiences of needles. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to normal hypodermic needles being much finer and are solid rather than hollow. They are also very small in size and can be compared to a pound coin.

When the needle is inserted the sensation can usually be described as a tingling feeling. Depending on the treatment required these needles can be left inserted for only a second or two, or as long as 20 minutes. During the treatment patients often describe a feeling of pleasant relaxation with heaviness in the limbs.

How Often Will I Need Treatment?

During your initial consultation a general assessment of your state of health and the identification of any possible imbalances in your Qi will be analysed to determine the required treatment. Depending on the results of this analysis a treatment programme will be constructed which obviously is unique for each individual, so to give a definitive answer is very difficult. Some people will be able to see an improvement in their condition straight away whilst others may need up to 5 treatments before lasting improvements can be felt.

Factors that can affect the length of treatment include how long the problem has existed and how severe it is.

Should My Doctor Be Advised?

If you are receiving treatment from your G.P. you should advise them of your plans to have Acupuncture. The Acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking any prescribed medication but this should always be done in consultation with your G.P.

Is It Safe?

All the members of the British Acupuncture Council have to observe a strict Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation of needles and other equipment. All of the procedures have been approved by the Department of Health and ensures the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases.