Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practiced in China and other eastern countries for about 5,000 years. It is used to regulate or correct the flow of qi through a network of channels in our bodies to restore health. Qi (pronounced chee) is the vital life force energy that moves blood through the body and energises the organs.

What can acupuncture be used for?

Although often described as a means of pain relief, acupuncture is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. As in many oriental medicine practices, the emphasis is on prevention of disease, in addition to treatment of specific symptoms. It also aims to improve the overall well-being of the patient, and results may include a greater degree of relaxation, improved sleep and an increase in energy levels.

There are many conditions that can be relieved with acupuncture: the World Health Organisation specifies 47 disorders, although it is known that many more can be helped.

Please phone for advice about your condition or health concerns and we will advise you whether acupuncture would be suitable.

Who can benefit?

Acupuncture may be suitable if you have tried other methods of treatment which have not worked, or if you wish to avoid prescription medications.

Examples of Conditions Treated

Acupuncture is mainly used for treating conditions in which symptoms are the main problem. Some evidence suggests that acupuncture can encourage the body to make disease-fighting antibodies, improve circulation and reduce the severity of allergic reactions. It encourages the release of endorphins - natural pain killing substances in the body - such as in the following conditions:

musculoskeletal pain, for example, in the back, shoulder, leg and neck
arthritic and rheumatoid pain in the joints
headaches and migraines
trapped nerves
chronic muscle strains and sports injuries

Acupuncture may help to alleviate some of the following conditions:

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mild forms of incontinence
menstrual and menopausal symptoms, including period pains and hot flushes
allergies such as hay fever and some types of allergic rashes
skin problems, including rashes, dermatitis and eczema
sinus problems and chronic catarrh
diabetes
asthma
chronic fatigue syndrome (ME)
insomnia and depression
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease

A course of treatment before the hay fever season starts, before IVF treatment or during times of stress can be very beneficial.
Acupuncture therapy may be offered in post-operative treatment of diseases such as cancer in order to relieve the pain, vomiting and nausea that may be experienced following chemotherapy.
It is important to remember that, if you take other actions associated with helping your specific health problem, such as giving up smoking if you have a chest condition, your acupuncture treatments will work better.

What happens during a treatment?

Treatment involves inserting very fine sterile, disposable needles into the skin to stimulate specific anatomic points in the body (called acupoints or acupuncture points) for therapeutic purposes. The needles are much more fine and flexible than those used in standard injections and usually the feeling is described as tingling or dull, rather than painful. During treatment, needles are left in place for about 20 minutes and the patient usually experiences a pleasant feeling of deep relaxation.

Sometimes heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy may be additionally to stimulate the points.

How many sessions will I need?

We will assess you once treatment has begun according to your particular disorder and your general health. Whilst acute disorders may only need one or two treatments, chronic conditions are likely to require up to twelve treatments.

Sue Keady – Acupuncture Practitioner

Sue Keady is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC) and practises acupuncture at the Sanctuary of Healing.

She has worked as a massage therapist since 1979. Graduating from the Northern College of Acupuncture in York in 1991 she began to incorporate Chinese Medicine into her work. Sue has undergone further training in Reiki (to masters level) and Ling Qi Healing with Julie Wise. These trainings have all deepended and widened her knowledge, thus enabling Sue to offer a combination of therapies treating all aspects of the body, mind and spirit. She also uses Bach Flower Remedies, relaxation and breathing techniques in her treatments.

"We cannot impose healing and therefore treatment is aimed to encourage the natural healing processes already present in the body, mind and emotions. Thus transformation can take place."

Areas of work include:

Soft tissue injuries, back and neck pain, chronic pain, joint pain, headaches and migraine, PMS, menopausal symptoms, stress related problems, panic attacks, anxiety.

Initial consultation/treatment   £38
Subsequent treatments          £32
Subsidised rate                     £26

To make an appointment, please ring Sue on 01772 456657.

Sue is also a qualified Tai Chi/Qi Kung teacher and she also runs a Tai Chi class at the Sanctuary – please see the Events and Classes page for dates and times.

Useful websites:

www.tcm.health-info.org/who-treatment-list.htm
www.acupuncture.org.uk