Acupuncture - Traditional Medicine for a modern World

Acupuncture is a holistic form of medicine developed in the East over 2500 years ago. In recent years it has become more and more accepted as a useful complement to orthodox medicine offering drug-free pain relief and may often help stimulate the body’s own healing processes.

Acupuncture may help to improve a range of problems and can be used as a form of pain relief.

To see if acupuncture may help improve your symptoms, call us before your book an appointment and discuss your specific case with our acupunturist on 01677 425858 .

How does it work?

Acupuncture aims to balance the flow of energy within the body by releasing blocked or congested energy, creating healthy functioning of the internal organs and stimulating the body to heal itself.  The flow of energy can be disturbed by a variety of factors such as viruses, trauma, repetitive strain, diet/lifestyle and emotional problems.

A detailed cause history of each patient is taken in order to tailor an individual treatment plan, designed to address any imbalances. Patients may often be given diet and lifestyle advice to support their treatment.  

On your first visit you will be asked in detail about your problem,general health and medical history. Your pulse is taken and tongue examined. This information is then used to formulate an individual treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs. You will be advised of how many treatment sessions you are likely to need. This can vary depending on the type and duration of illness or injury. Generally a recent illness or injury is likely to resolve fairly quickly whilst a longstanding condition may take longer to address fully.

 
What happens during treatment ?
How many treatments will I need?
Does it hurt?
Is Acupuncture safe?
How much will it cost?
Practitioner Profile

What happens during treatment ?      

Treatment  involves inserting very fine needles at specific points on the body to regulate the flow of qi. These are usually painless but if you are particularly averse to the thought of needles, acupressure where pressure is applied to the points with the fingers or hands can be used instead.

Treatment may also involve the use of massage, moxibustion (a warming treatment using smouldering herbs) and cupping (where suction cups are applied to the body).

Most people feel deeply relaxed during treatment. Some patients may feel a mild ache or tingling sensation when the needles are inserted. They will be left in place for about twenty minutes. It is common for patients to feel very relaxed after treatment so it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise immediately after treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

This will vary from patient to patient depending upon the severity of their illness, age etc. At the end of the initial consultation, the treatment plan will be discussed and an estimate of the number of treatments needed will be given.

Q:What should I do before treatment?

A: Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. Also avoid alcohol and foods or drinks which colour your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment.

Q: How will I feel after acupuncture?

A: Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong.

Q: Should I tell my doctor?

A: If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture – Most GPs are open to the idea of their patients receiving acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some medication, but your doctor should ALWAYS be consulted regarding any change of prescription. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to acupuncture treatment. 

Does it hurt?

A: Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people’s experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to these. They are much finer and solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted the sensation is often described as a tingling.

Q: What about the needles used?

A: Members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) use single use pre-sterilised disposable needles which are disposed of after each treatment. BAcC members observe a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for other equipment.

Is Acupuncture safe?

A: All BAcC members observe a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene, these procedures have been approved by the Department of Health, and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases. Patients who have been treated by BAcC members are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service

How much will it cost?

The first treatment is £40 and subsequent treatments £37. Each session lasts around 40-45 minutes.

Practitioner Profile

Anna O’Connell trained for four years at the Northern College of Acupuncture in York, one of the foremost educational and research institutions for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in the UK. Anna is a fully registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAaC) which maintains common standards of ethics, discipline and practice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public. She has full public liability insurance.
Since qualifying, Anna has treated patients with a wide range of health problems. However, she has developed a particular interest in fertility and gynecological problems, anxiety and stress and pain management.

Anna has undergone training in Acupuncture for patients with cancer and other lifelimiting illnesses and she now also works as part of the Herriot Hospice team providing palliative care for cancer patients throughout North Yorkshire.
For further details see dalesacupuncture.co.uk