Traditional acupuncture affects the whole person and treats the body, mind and spirit as one treatment being directed to relieving the cause of the person's problems rather than just palliating the symptoms.

The vital energy, known as " Chî ", travels in pathways known as meridians, each connected to a vital organ such as the kidneys, liver or heart, etc. By inserting fine needles into points which lie along these meridians, a proper balance and flow of energy can be re-established.

What can Acupuncture treat?

People of all ages and with all sorts of problems respond to acupuncture
treatment. Some people come for treatment as a last resort because other
types of medicine have not helped, others because they prefer a natural
therapy. In many cases, acupuncture can provide additional support to
patients who are also receiving other forms of therapy, and can help them
to get over traumas such as childbirth, injury or bereavement. Acupuncture
is also a useful supportive therapy for people trying to overcome addictions
to alcohol, smoking and drugs.

Many chronic or recurring conditions such as back pain, digestive problems,
period pains, migraine, depression, insomnia - to name a few - can be
helped by acupuncture. Some people like to come to be "rebalanced"
every few months as a preventaive measure, even if they are not feeling
unwell - like taking the car for a regular service.

How is diagnosis made?

Before any treatment can be given, a diagnosis is carried out, normally
lasting 1 1/2 hours. Acupuncture is a holistic therapy (i.e treats the whole
person rather than an isolated symptom) and therefore the practitioner
needs to understand the patient as a whole in order to establish the cause
of their energy imbalance.

Chinese medicine does not treat the health of the body and mind as separate
issues, but maintains that emotional upsets and stress are frequently a cause
of physical illness and vice versa. Our environment, lifestyle and diet are
also seen as strong influences on our health, so in order to make a full
diagnosis the practitioner will need to ask about these things. A very
important part of the diagnosis is the feeling of twelve pulses on the wrists,
from which the acupuncturist can determine the state of Chî energy in
the meridians.

What does the treatment feel like?

Very fine stainless steel needles are inserted through the skin at specific
points found all over the body. The needles may be left in for a few minutes
or removed immediately. he points chosen and the number of needles will
vary according to each patient's needs. There is often no sensation felt as
the needle is inserted, but a momentary tingling or aching may be felt as the
Chî is contacted.

Most treatments take 45 minutes. Afterwards a patient may feel
unusually relaxed, sleepy or "spaced out" for a while. Some people feel
revitalised mentally or physically, whilst for others the changes are more
subtle and noticed over a longer period.

Is Acupuncture safe?

The needles used at the Park Practice are very small and typically left in
position for only short periods. All needles are disposable and used only
once.

Brian Clensy is a member of the British Acupuncture Council, the
professional regulatory body, and must abide by strict codes of practice
and ethics approved by the Department of Health.

Charges

First consultation: £39.00

Subsequent treatment: £27.00