The beauty of 'whole-person' medicine and the art of…

This broad perspective allows it to address a wide range of symptoms and enhance overall wellbeing by…

Five Element acupuncture

lies in its holistic approach, recognising no division between the mind, body, and external environment.

rebalancing the nervous system and promoting homeostasis.

Pain and disharmony can create separateness, within ourselves and with the world and others around us. Treatment can be a step towards…

returning to wholeness.

Five Elements Acupuncture

The Five Elements approach is strongly rooted in the philosophy that our physiology as human is one with the natural world that surrounds us – the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of ourselves. To be considered healthy, we need to be in sync with the seasons – to rest when necessary, as in Winter and build the reserves needed to live a full life, to expand out in a Summer of sorts. Five elements acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a whole is closely connected with nature and the cycle of the seasons. This ancient approach looks to identify the root cause as opposed to solely treating symptoms, making it effective for a wide range of conditions.

  • Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, good health is dependent on qi flowing freely through the body along pathways called meridians; when qi is blocked or imbalanced symptoms of pain, illness or emotional disruption may occur. 

    Acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile, single use fine needles at specific points on the meridians to connect with the body’s qi and trigger the natural healing response.

  • Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort, a nourishing herb (moxa) near or on specific points of the body to stimulate healing and promote the flow of energy (qi). Many love the gentle warmth and relaxing nature of this treatment. It can enhance the effects of the acupuncture treatment or be used alone.

  • Cupping therapy in Chinese medicine involves placing specialist cups on the skin to create suction, which is believed to stimulate the flow of qi and blood, remove toxins, and alleviating pain and inflammation. This technique is used to treat a variety of conditions, including respiratory issues, musculoskeletal pain, and stress-related disorders.

    Gua sha is a technique which translates as ‘skin stroking'; using a smooth-edged tool with a slight pressure, this treatment improves circulation, can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

    Both treatments result in a degree of temporary skin marking - this is normal and settles within a few days.

FAQs

  • The initial consultation is usually approximately 90 minutes. I will begin by asking you about your reason for seeking treatment, noting down a comprehensive medical history and learning more about aspects of your general health including your sleep, digestion, menstrual cycle (if relevant) etc. This is then followed by a physical examination which includes palpation, checking temperature regulation and Chinese pulse diagnosis.

    I will then devise a personalised treatment plan based upon the information gathered - often involving a prescription of weekly sessions to begin with.

  • For a detailed and extensive list of conditions treated with acupuncture and corresponding research, please refer to the factsheets available to read on the British Acupuncture Council website.

    Acupuncture is currently included in the following guidelines for GPs:

    National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE):

  • As treatment plans are individual, the duration of treatments advised and the frequency will depend on different factors such as how long symptoms have been present. The benefits of acupuncture are accumulative - therefore a minimum of four weekly treatments is advised to begin with.

    Treatment can also be used as a preventative, to prevent flare-ups of chronic conditions and also as a maintenance - i.e. promoting relaxation and general wellbeing .

  • It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as the needle is adjusted. Acupuncture needles are so fine (similar to two humna hairs) that many people don’t feel them being inserted. While the needles are in place, many people feel relaxed.

  • Sometimes mild bruising can occur where the needle was inserted, and occasionally you may feel dizzy or tired after treatment. Things like making sure to eat a light meal before treatment and drinking enough fluids can help minimise this.

    For more information please visit The British Acupuncture Council.