Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for millennia in the Chinese Culture as part of their medicine.

Acupuncture is now covered by many insurance policies and is used most broadly to relieve pain and The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has well documented and publicised acupuncture's safety and efficacy.

What conditions are commonly treated by acupuncture?

Numerous clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it can successfully help with a wide range of conditions ranging from anxiety, depression, nausea, migraine headache, musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others), to insomnia and infertility.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific sites on the body known as acupuncture points, or acupoints. These points are most commonly stimulated by the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other techniques used to stimulate acupoints include, manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and linaments.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two major opposing forces: yin and yang. When in balance, the body is healthy and energy, called "Qi" (Chinese), “Ki” (Japanese) or “Prana” (Sanskrit) can flow along specific pathways, or meridians, throughout the body.

This energy needs to flow to keep the yin and yang forces balanced and blockages or disruption, like water getting stuck behind a dam, can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various physiological systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

First, your acupuncturist will ask about your health concerns and take a health history and they may well further examine your tongue’s shape, colour, and coating, feel your pulse, and may perform some additional physical examinations depending on your needs to be able to recommend a proper treatment plan to address your particular condition. To start the acupuncture treatment, you lay comfortably on a treatment table and most people feel no or minimal discomfort or sensation as the fine needles are gently inserted. The needles are usually retained between five and 30 minutes and many people report that they feel very relaxed.

How can I find a qualified and registered TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioner?

The best way is to search for a practitioner with one of the major UK associations to ensure they are well trained and qualified.

a) The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) - www.acupuncture.org.uk.

b) The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (ATCM) - www.atcm.co.uk.

c) The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) – www.rchm.co.uk

How many treatments will I need?

The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, one to two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, usually eight to ten visits in total. An individualised treatment plan that includes the expected number of treatments will be discussed during your initial visit.

How much does acupuncture cost?

The price for acupuncture at Jing Shen TCM – Traditional Chinese Medicine is £75 for the first session and £65 per subsequent session. Package discounts are also available. Cash, checks and all major credit cards are accepted.

To schedule an appointment, contact Christina Bisson at Jing Shen TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Best of health!