Acupuncture Treatments - The Wimbledon Clinic of Natural Medicine Wimbledon London SW19

Acupuncture

About Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted at specific points on the body surface to restore or maintain health. It is a powerful therapy which originated in China over 2000 years ago and has been practised and developed ever since. Acupuncture is part of the Traditional Medicine of China which revolves around the concept of Qi. Qi is the life-force or vital energy which flows throughout the body.

In a healthy person the Qi flows smoothly around the body. However if this flow is disrupted for some reason then illness can occur. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by wind, cold, diet, drugs, trauma or hereditary factors.

Acupuncture is currently used in hospitals throughout China. It has also become increasingly popular in the West in recent years. The World Health Organisation has recognised its success in the treatment of a wide range of diseases.

Acupuncture is frequently effective in treating the following conditions:

Headaches and migraines
Arthritis and rheumatic conditions
Back pain and sciatica
Sprains and the after-effects of injuries
A wide variety of other painful conditions
Anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia
Asthma, coughs, bronchitis
Hayfever, sinusitis, rhinitis, catarrh
Digestive and bowel disorders, including diarrhoea, .constipation, irritable bowel syndrome
Menstrual and gynaecological disorders i ncluding pre-menstrual tension
Fatigue and weakness
Smoking addiction
Facial paralysis and trigeminal neuralgia

Acupuncture is sometimes effective in treating the following conditions:

Urinary problems including chronic cystitis
Haemorrhoids
Chronic skin diseases
Eye conditions
Tinnitus and hearing disorders
Dizziness and vertigo
Impotence
Morning sickness
High blood pressure
Circulatory disorders
After-effects of stroke

In addition to the above, many other disorders have been treated with success and it is always worth enquiring about any problem that you may have.

The Consultation

At your first consultation your acupuncturist will ask you detailed questions about your condition, your bodily functions and your lifestyle. The pulses on your wrist will be taken and your tongue examined.
Your acupuncturist will not be looking for symptoms in isolation as these are often part of a wider pattern of harmony and disharmony. Rather, through detailed questioning and observation, a comprehensive picture will be established. This will allow the selection of the appropriate combination points in which to insert the needles.

Fine, sterile, disposable needles are used and the process should be almost painless, though you may feel a small pin-prick and some sensation of dullness or heaviness around the area needled.

Before your treatment you should avoid alcohol and coffee, and foods or drinks which colour the tongue. Try not to have a large meal within the hour before your treatment, though you should also avoid coming on an empty stomach. Please wear loose clothing for your appointment. You may find it easier to wear separates. After your treatment you may find that you feel particularly calm and perhaps a little light-headed.

It is best to avoid planning anything too strenuous for the following couple of hours. We also suggest that you avoid alcohol on the day of your treatment.

For further information please contact us.