What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
Traditional acupuncture is a holistic, effective and safe healthcare system based on ancient principles originating in China and other Far Eastern cultures, which go back over 3000 years.
The fundamental principle of acupuncture is that all the body’s functions are interdependent and connected by the flow of vital energy or “Qi”, around the body. The Qi is believed to flow in a system of meridians or pathways that network through the entire body and when the flow of Qi is diminished, disturbed or blocked – illness, discomfort and/or pain may result at a physical, mental or emotional level. Many factors such as:
– stress and/or overwork
– emotional upset/trauma, sadness or grief
– physical injury or trauma
– infections
– poor nutrition
– medication
– hereditary conditions
can all disturb the delicate balance of our health and wellbeing.
Acupuncture is aimed at resolving the root cause of a condition as well as relieving the main symptoms, so it is the practitioner’s intention to regulate the Qi in order to stimulate the body’s own healing response and restore its natural balance, thus leading to a more permanent resolution to the problem.
Once free from pain or disease, many people use acupuncture as an ongoing therapy to promote and maintain their health and wellbeing. Others choose to have acupuncture as a preventative measure or to simply enhance their feeling of wellbeing.
Acupuncture could help you
Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms, from clearly defined complaints such as neck/low back pain and headaches, through to more general feelings of ill health such as nausea or low energy. Acupuncture is increasingly used by women as part of a conception programme and to support them during and after pregnancy.
Acupuncture has been acknowledged by the World Health Organisation to benefit a variety of illnesses which include:
– allergies
– anxiety and depression
– asthma
– coughs, colds & flu
– constipation and diarrhoea
– gynaecological conditions/infertility
– insomnia
– low immunity
– PMS
– sciatica
– tendonitis
– chemo and radio therapy support
– palliative care
Because traditional acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific body parts and symptoms in isolation, it can be effective for a wide range of conditions.
For the more serious illnesses where prescribed Western medication is essential and lifesaving, acupuncture is often used successful in alleviating the adverse side effects of medication, thus improving vitality and quality of life.
Acupuncture is now widely used and accepted all over the world and in the UK today, GPs are increasingly recommending acupuncture which is often used in conjunction with conventional Western medicine. It is also considered suitable for all ages including babies and children.
Facial Revitalisation Acupuncture (FRA) and how it works
The ageing process is a natural part of life, however there are many factors that may affect the rapidity and severity of the ageing process such as:
– emotions
– fatigue
– hereditary components
– lifestyle
– sleep deprivation
– toxins
These factors can have a huge impact on an individual’s appearance, as they all have an influence on the state of one’s health.
FRA is a non-surgical, risk free and virtually painless method that offers a combination of refreshing the skin, whilst at the same time addressing underlying health issues. Based on the principles of Chinese medicine, a course of FRA treatments addresses all aspects of an individual’s health and beauty, both on the surface and internally.
On the surface, FRA can improve facial tone, it can re-establish firmness and stimulate blood and lymph circulation in the face. By stimulating collagen production, individual fine lines can be eliminated and deep wrinkles can be reduced. FRA also includes a whole body treatment, as the aim of the treatment is not only to resolve problems at the surface, but also to address the internal imbalance that is causing the problem in the first place, eg hormonal imbalances which can lead to various skin conditions.
This whole body approach to revitalisation provides lasting results and many individuals report that they not only start to look better, but they feel better, their sleep and digestion has improved, as well as being relieved of their aches and pains.
Treatment Plans and Sessions
During your initial treatment session, Sally will use a number of different diagnostic methods to obtain a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. This will include taking a full medical history, looking at your tongue and reading your pulses. Based on this information, Sally will build your personal treatment plan and acupuncture points will be selected according to your symptoms. Frequency and number of treatment sessions will depend on your individual condition. Some change is usually felt within five or six treatments, although occasionally just one or two treatments are sufficient depending upon the condition. Some people choose to have regular acupuncture, either fortnightly, monthly or every three months (seasonal treatments) in order to main good health.
The Ananda Clinic is registered to carry on the Practice of Acupuncture by the Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.
Acupressure Taping (Acutaping) for Chronic Pain and Injuries
Acutaping is offered as a standalone therapy as well as a combined treatment with Acupunture.
What is Acutaping work?
It is a method based on Kinesio-taping (a therapeutic technique in which elastic cotton tape is attached to the immediate area of a painful muscle, ligament, tendon or joint) but also uses the diagnostic and therapeutic principles found in Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Acupressure.
How does Acutaping work?
The Acutape is applied to the muscle groups and Acupuncture Meridians that are associated with various illnesses. Their presence causes an irritation of the physical structures that lie beneath – the skin, the loose and the tighter connective tissue. As a result of this irritation a normalisation of the metabolism occurs, which then starts the self-healing process of the body.
Who can benefit from Acutaping?
As with Acupuncture and Acupressure, Acutaping can be used for many different applications, including the following:
~ Abatement of acute and chronic pain
~ Regulation of musculature (relaxing, restoring and invigorating)
~ Regulation of organic disturbances from stress-related causes
~ Regulation of immune reaction
~ As an anti-inflammatory agent
~ Improvement of blood circulation
So it is effective for those suffering with various joint pains, sore/strained muscles, headaches, stomach problems, back pain and more.
Treatment Prices
Acupuncture for Health & Wellbeing
First Appointments (60mins) £60
Subsequent Appointments (45mins) £52
Acupuncture including Massage/Cupping/Acutaping (60mins) £65
Facial Acupuncture (includes Health & Wellbeing Treatment)
First Appointments (90mins) £90
Subsequent Appointments (75mins) £80
Acupressure Taping
First Session (45mins) £45
Follow up Sessions (25mins) £35
(please note that these are maximum costs – for lesser taping the price will be adjusted down)
Appointments are available on Wednesdays & Friday from 9.30am-7pm
Therapist : Sally Deane Bsc (Hons), OM-Acupuncture, MBAcC