Modern acupuncture uses ultra-thin sterile single use needles, which may cause tingly, heavy or warm sensations, but no real pain. It is a very safe therapy and can be used in conjunction with other forms of medicine. The effects of treatment tend to include an enhanced sense of relaxation, wellbeing and energy as well as more specific changes in health.

What happens in a treatment?
The first treatment involves the taking of a case history, during which your practitioner will give you feed back about your health, the prognosis of your treatment and the likely number of sessions recommended.

What conditions does it treat?
Evidence from clinical trials suggests that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of many conditions including: pain relief (headaches, back-ache, osteoarthritis), gynaecological conditions, morning sickness, menopausal symptoms, anxiety and depression and cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy support. The list below covers conditions most frequently treated:

• Allergies
• Anxiety and stress
• Digestive problems
• Fertility and conditions in pregnancy
• Immune system disease
• Insomnia
• Low energy and depression
• Menstrual problems (PMS, irregular and painful periods)
• Menopausal symptoms
• Pain and discomfort

Acupuncture is a complex therapy and requires a long period of training (at least 3 years full time) in order to meet the requirements of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). Our acupuncture team are all affiliated to professional governing bodies, and each has additional qualifications and special areas of expertise. They are happy to discuss personally whether or not a particular health problem is likely to respond to treatment, just phone the clinic to arrange a phone consultation.
All members of the British Acupuncture Council must 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 transmission of infectious diseases. It is safe to use acupuncture alongside conventional medicine.
To find out more about acupuncture go to www.acupuncture.org.uk