Acupuncture in south London

What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. Some people may have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease. Acupuncture has been known to help many conditions including amongst others:

Acupuncture is a holistic form of health care, which is over 2000 years old. In recent years there has been increased scientific research into the benefits of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is based upon the belief that health is dependent upon the smooth flow of Qi energy, our life-force, through a system of channels called meridians which run just beneath the skin. Qi is composed of Yin and Yang, opposing qualities which cause illness when they become imbalanced.

Many factors can upset the natural balance of Qi, including emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, particularly when they are suppressed, as so often they are in modern society.

Other factors such as nutrition, our physical environment, our hereditary constitution, infections and physical trauma, including surgery, can all upset that equilibrium. Acupuncture aims, by the use of fine needles inserted into carefully selected points on the channels, to re-establish the body’s energetic harmony.

When you come for treatment the flow of your energy will be assessed by taking your pulses on both wrists and looking at your tongue. A treatment will then be designed, from over 500 acupuncture points, specifically for your needs.

Acupuncture needles are not at all like the needles experienced in Western medicine. Most people enjoy the treatment, experiencing a feeling of heaviness and relaxation.

The sensation experienced is not the piercing of the skin by a needle, but the connection made when the needle reaches the point intended. This may feel like a sensation of heaviness, a dull ache, or a tingling sensation traveling along the channel.

Other techniques may be employed to enhance treatment, such as the smouldering of herbs over acupuncture points to warm and encourage the body's energy, or the use of cupping, an ancient technique using suction to stimulate and move the body's energy particularly in muscular conditions.

Many patients who have had acupuncture simply feel better in themselves, feeling stronger, more decisive or confident, or less affected by life events. Often they cannot describe how they feel different, yet the evidence is there in their new found abilities. This may enable patients to improve their life situations for the better, often facilitating radical change.

Therapist(s) offering acupuncture in Brixton:

Ingrid Broad	Jennifer Ratnayake	Lola Boix
Marcus James	Philippa Summers

Prices:

For full details see our Price List.

Is it safe?

All our therapists are members of the British Acupuncture Council, which means that they have had extensive training in acupuncture, and relevant biomedical sciences, and that they practices a recognised and traditional style of diagnosis and treatment.

There is no government legislation as yet in the UK and anyone can actually practice. BAcC accreditation guarantees that practitioners have achieved a high standard of practice and constantly adhere to Standards of education, ethics, practice and discipline to ensure the health and safety of patients.

Members of the British Acupuncture Council are bound by strict Codes of Safe Practice, Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures, ensuring the highest standards of professional care to patients. These Standards have been drawn up in conjunction with the Department of Health and a Public Health Consultant.

For more information, and a list of registered practitioners
Contact:
The British Acupuncture Council:
63 Jeddo Road,
London.W12 9HQ
Tel: 020 8735 0400
Fax: 020 8735 0404
Email: info@acupuncture.org.uk
Website: www.acupuncture.org.uk
Acupuncture and Philosophy