Holistic Tranquillity

About Acupuncture Coventry

Traditional acupuncture is a system of healing practised in China and other eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often escribed as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient. Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of medicine. Acupuncture is now accepted all over the world as a valid system of healthcare and in the UK a qualified acupunturist must be registered with the British Acupuncture Council.

Acupuncture is a treatment in which special needles are inserted into points just under the skin to help correct and rebalance the flow of energy, which promotes pain relief and healing. Acupuncture approach understands that the root cause of all pain and disease are Energy Blockages. According to Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy called Qi, ("chi"), the vital life energy present in all living organisms. Qi circulates along 12 major energy pathways in the body, called meridians. When the flow of Qi "chi" (Vital Energy) is interrupted, the natural balance of our life force is obstructed and stagnation in the body occurs.

The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include;

• emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear of grief,
• poor nutrition,
• weather conditions,
• hereditary factors,
• infections,
• poisons and trauma.

As a result, vital energy cannot reach our organs and cells, toxins begin to accumulate in the body and our immune system is unable to function effectively, we then become sick and emotionally, physically and psychologically, out of balance.

Who has Acupuncture?

Many people come to acupuncture for;
. Help with specific symptoms or conditions.
These might include anxiety states, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory problem, depression, facial paralysis, high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problem, migraines, rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions.
. Others choose acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution
. Or they feel unwell in themselves without being 'ill' in the Western sense.

Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary from one person to another

How safe is it?

Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. The needles used are single use, sterile and disposable.
It has proved to be effective in pregnancy management and for the relief of pain in childbirth.
Acupuncture is also helpful for people trying to overcome addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food or drugs.

The benefits of treatments

. Promote healing on the physical, mental and emotional level. Target Mind Body and Spirit and not just the symptoms of disease
. It's useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress.
. Restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium
. Are a way of relaxing and balancing the body
. Stimulate and strengthen the life energy
. Show relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.
. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease.
. Are Safe, beneficial and suitable for all ages

Diagnosis and Treatment

The initial examination takes around two hours and involves collecting information on medical history, lifestyle, current status of 'dis-ease' and the functioning of various system (sleep, digestion, etc). There are also several specific diagnostic tests to ascertain the body's energetic balance, including pulse taking which gives the practitioner detailed information about the state of the qi energy within the person, and helps with the detection of the energetic imbalances.

How does it work?

Treatment aims to re-establish a balance using fine stainless needles inserted at specific points just under the skin into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help to correct and rebalance the flow of energy, which promotes pain relief and healing. People who prefer not to have needles can benefit from techniques like acupressure, cupping, Tu ina massage, moxibustion, gua sha, ear seeds etc.

What happens when I go for treatment?

A consultation will be carried out, and the acupuncturist will ask you about current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The acupuncturist is also likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, and may ask to look at your tongue. The acupuncturist may then use acupuncture points that are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the problems.

How will you respond to treatment?

The response to treatment varies from person to person. Some sense a greater well-being first followed by improvement of their main complaint. Others see immediate improvement, feel revitalised mentally and physically, or relaxed and experience other more subtle changes. In addition, the length of time that the condition has been present can also be a factor in a person's recovery rate.

How frequent will your treatment be?

Initially treatment are weekly, and as your healthy improves the gap between treatments increases, until you are only coming every few months to maintain your new found health. However, frequency and lenght of treatment depends on your individual condition. Some changes is usually felt after five treatments, although occasionally only one or two treatments are required. Some patients may need treatment over several months.

Should my doctor know?

If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change or prescription.

Professional standards

Practitioner is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) who maintain standards of education, ethics and practice to ensure the healthy and safety of the public. BAcC members are bound by the code of Ethics covering confidentiality and are committed to providing the highest standards of care as per the Code of Practice. Members are also on a continues development programme. The BAcC proved Professional indemnity and Public Liability insurance for its members.

Can I claim Private Health Insurance?

Many companies prove cover for acupuncturists who are BAcC members. Cover is varied, so check with your insurer for further details.