Acupuncture
I practice acupuncture in Gloucester, Cirencester, Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. If you have any specific enquiries please do give me a call on my mobile, 07721 510 429.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. As well as China, recent research also suggests that acupuncture was used in Europe and the Americas.
Traditional Chinese medicine posits that our health is dependant on a balanced, smooth flow of energy through a system of channels which connect all parts of the body. Any restriction to the smooth flow of this energy will create an imbalance which leads to poor health. By inserting fine needles into the acupuncture points which lie along the energy channels the acupuncturist can restore balanced flow of energy, stimulating a natural healing response.
In essence, acupuncture stimulates the bodymind's natural, self-regulating, self-healing process. This is natural healing at its very best. This healing can take place at all levels of the body, mind, emotions and spirit.
COULD ACUPUNCTURE HELP ME?
Most people come to acupuncture with a specific health complaint. This might be acute, such as a sports injury, bad back or a skin rash. Or it might be a chronic, long-term problem, such as migraines, arthritis, frozen shoulder, anxiety or depression, infertility, or asthma.
Sometimes people seek help because they just feel out of sorts. Vague symptoms of tiredness, aches and pains, a feeling of emptiness or of just being out of sync with the rythms of life. Or a patient might come wanting to quit an addiction, such as smoking or alcohol.
DOES IT HURT?
I find that most people are pleasently surprised after their first treatment. It tends to be much more comfortable than they expected, and they like the feeling of relaxation which comes with a good acupuncture treatment.
WHAT HAPPENS ON MY FIRST VISIT?
At your first visit I will ask you about your symptoms, general health and lifestyle and medical history. I will also, in most cases, take your pulse and look at your tongue. Pulse and tongue diagnosis are traditional Chinese tools which are used to assess the balance of your health, and let us know if your energy is flowing smoothly, whether it is too hot or cold, excessive or depleted, and so on.
Having made a diagnosis I will discuss this with you and make up a treatment plan. Commonly I will then give you your first treatment. Mostly a number of needles will be inserted and left in place for around 20 minutes, though sometimes it is appropriate to only leave them in for a brief moment. The first consultation tends to take around an hour.
DO YOU USE OTHER TREATMENTS?
Acupuncturists will also use other techniques. Moxibustion is the use of a smouldering herb, on the end of a needle or over the skin. This helps warm cold areas and to get the blood moving. I have recently started to use 'low intensity laser therapy' which can be used instead of or in combination with acupuncture needles. Occasionally I will use electro-acupuncture, where a small current is passed through pairs of needles. Cupping involves the use of suction to break up muscle tensions, or to pull out 'pathogenic factors'. All treatment will be explained and discussed with you and only given with your full consent.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TREATMENT?
In most instances, treatments are given once a week initially, being spaced out progressively as your condition improves. I offer free 15 minute, no-obligation consultations to discuss your specific problems and to give you a more specific suggestion of how many sessions you might need.
SHOULD I TELL MY DOCTOR I AM HAVING ACUPUNCTURE?
If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her that you are having acupuncture, but this is at your discretion. This goes for any other treatment you may be receiving, such as osteopathy. Acupuncture may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of your prescription. It is also helpful if you tell me about any medications you are taking, as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
IS IT SAFE?
As a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) I observe a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene. I only use pre-sterile, single-use needles. Our procedures have been approved by the Department of Health and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases. I also abide by the Council's Code of Ethics and am commited to ongoing professional development.
Patients who have been treated by a BAcC member are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service - just ask me for a form.
Jamie Gisby - traditional acupuncture in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Cirencester.
