Who Has Acupuncture?
What makes someone decide to have Acupuncture?
Most people decide to have Acupuncture because they have an illness, condition or situation that needs caring for. Traditional Five Element Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to health and regards illness as a sign that the body is out of balance. The exact pattern and degree of imbalance is unique to each individual.
The Traditional Five Element Acupuncturist’s skill lies in identifying the precise nature of the underlying disharmony and selecting the most effective treatment. The choice of acupuncture points will be specific to each patient’s needs. Traditional Five Element Acupuncture can also be used as a preventive measure to strengthen the constitution and promote general well-being. Traditional Five Element Acupuncture is more than just Needles, the Therapeutic Relationship between Patient and Acupuncturist helps with the healing process.
Further reference reading regarding Acupuncture Treatments can be found on the British Acupuncture Web Site, A-Z of the evidence base for acupuncture, click to visit their website.
Traditional Five Element Acupuncture can be used on its own and alongside western medical treatments and other therapies, the patient is the focus
Patients decide to have acupuncture at Southwell Acupuncture Clinic for :-
Table of Contents
Pain Conditions
Generally, Acupuncture can be affective for pain of many types. I have seen many patients lives turned around by being able to live with no, less or managing their pain. Many people do not want to take large amounts or any pain medications, as they often have dreadful side effects, Acupuncture can help. When coming off any medication this must always be done with the help of your Doctor. Acupuncture can treat alongside to complement Western Medicine treatments, medication and surgery.
Many Pain conditions have other underling factors that can be the cause or effect of the pain, such as stress, lifestyle, accidents, repetitive movements or long-term issues. Acupuncture treatment can help you manage these. I treat many patients with Chronic Pain and Stress Conditions making their lives much easier to navigate.
Migraines
I put this separately as Migraines are so much more than pain. As well as the unbearable throbbing pain there are visual disturbances, sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, there can be alarming symptoms such as vision loss, pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg, weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body, difficulty speaking, hearing noises or music, uncontrollable jerking or other movements. In my practice I treat many patients who have experienced Migraines and have seen their lives turned around from this debilitating condition.
- Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Frozen Shoulder
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Knee Pain
- Movable Pains
- Foot Pain
- Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
- Facial Pain
- Neuropathic Pain
- Planta Fasciitis
- Headaches
- Hip Pain
- Post-Operative Pain
- Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
- Tennis or Golfers Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- General Aches and Pains
- Chronic Pain
- Complex Reginal Pain Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
Hormonal Problems
Many women suffer for much longer than they need to with many hormonal conditions when they can be helped by Acupuncture. I do encourage women to seek Gynaecological advice and investigations as necessary, alongside Acupuncture treatment.
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Painf pre and during Periods
- Irregular Periods
- Light Periods
- Heavy Periods
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Recurrent Urine Infections
- Recurrent Cystitis
- Pelvic Pain
- Urinary Incontinence
- Menopause and Life Transition
Endocrine Disorders
The Endocrine System produces and releases hormones that help control many important body functions. The endocrine system influences how your heart beats, how your bones and tissues grow, your ability to conceive a baby. It plays a vital role in whether or not you develop many conditions. Acupuncture can help your system function better alongside western medicine treatments and help with some side effects of medications. These conditions listed below can be helped by acupuncture to improve your overall wellbeing and make life easier to live with these conditions.
- Adrenal Insufficiency
- Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS)
- Crushing’s Disease or Syndrome
- Hyperthyroidism / Grave’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypopituitarism
Infertility, Miscarriage, Assisted Conception, Pregnancy, Post - Natal and Parenthood
- Infertility – many patients arrive at a point when they have pursued investigations into why they cannot conceive bringing no answers. This is when many patients turn to Acupuncture helping with both the physical and emotional side of conception
- Miscarriage is a difficult situation to cope with, acupuncture can help with the loss, becoming pregnant again, then sustaining pregnancy.
- Assisted Conception – many patients find the whole process of this stressful and emotional. Acupuncture can help you through the whole process and help with sustaining the pregnancy
- Pregnancy – there are many challengers through pregnancy:- Nausea, Heartburn, Indigestion, Exhaustion, Anxiety, Pelvic pain, Back pain, Constipation, Haemorrhoids, Varicose Veins, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), Beach presentation which acupuncture can help with. Acupuncture can nurture you through your pregnancy giving you more energy for the birth and recovery.
- Post Natal – when you have this beautiful bundle of joy in your arms life changes beyond belief, this can be wonderful, exhausting, frightening, frustrating, tiering and a gift. It is important to look after yourself physically and emotionally postnatally, as well as your baby and other children. Acupuncture is here to nurture you in this time and try to avoid or cope with Post-Natal Blues and Depression.
- Parenthood – there is help when you have a tiny baby but it does fade and you have to get on with Parenting on your own. Regular Acupuncture can help you keep your sanity though Toddler Tantrums though to Teenage Challenges. Helping you with Transitions such as school, college and Empty Nest, Acupuncture can help you though life’s changes.
Respiratory Conditions
Acupuncture can give support to chronic chest conditions, helping with the breath and strengthening the immune system, to help reduce occurrence of relapse and attacks. Allergic conditions can be helped by getting your system balanced, to build immune strength to reduce the likelihood of allergies occurring. Overall helping you breathe better. Regular acupuncture can reduce the occurrence of colds and flu due to raising your defences and improving your immune system, you can also have acupuncture during a cold or flu to help recovery.
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Allergies
- Hay Fever
- Colds and Flu
Cardiovascular Problems
Acupuncture treatment may help cardiovascular function, acting on areas of the brain known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress. Promoting relaxation and helping anxiety and worry and reducing inflammation, by promoting release of vascular and immune factors. Acupuncture can be used alongside western medical treatments.
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Heart Failure
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Coronary Heart disease
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions are an outer expression of disharmony from the inner organs of the body, some conditions are always in the body and raise up when your immune system is low. When your system is out of balance the skin is where the toxins not assimilated in your system skin conditions appear.
- Eczema
- Hives (urticaria)
- Psoriasis
- Acne, Dermatitis,
- Rosacea
- Shingles and Cold sores
Digestion and Bowels
Acupuncture can help many digestive and Bowel problems, these disorders can be affected or caused by stress, anxiety and depression, the advantage of Acupuncture is that we treat the whole system making it an effective treatment for when emotions affect the physical and visa versa.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease
- Diverticulitis
- Bloating and Malaise
Bladder, Kidney and Prostrate Problems
Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, pain, swelling and bladder irritation. About 10-40% of women who have given birth have postpartum stress urinary incontinence and this can also occurr through hormonal changes in the menopause. Often when there is problems with the Bladder and Kidney the Water Element, where there is an underlying exhaustion or a person is run down, their inner strength needs rebuilding with Acupunture and lifestyle.
- Cystitis, Incontinence
- Prostate problems
- Kidney Stones
- Urinary Incontinence
Emotions - Stress, Axiety, Depression and Insomnia
Acupuncture can be affective with the treatment of Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia alone or alongside Western Medicine treatments. It can also help patients reduce or come off medications (with advice from their Doctor)
- Anxiety Disorders include Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Worry, Irritability and Poor Concentration and many physical conditions can become worse with stress. These include Irritable Bowel Byndrome, Migraines and Tension Headaches, and Back Pain. Anxiety can affect a person on many levels in a mild way or in an overpowering way, please do reach out for help with Acupuncture do not suffer alone
- Depression is a common mental health problem that affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Depression causes symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, anxiety, irritability low self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, weight change, tiredness, lack of motivation, concentration or libido, physical pain, and suicidal thoughts. Acupuncture can help people though difficult times of depression and building up resistance and coping strategies to avoid reduce reoccurrence, treating patients alongside Western Medicine or with Traditional Five Element Acupuncture
- Insomnia can be a problem when there is stress, anxiety and depression, as acupuncture treats the person not the condition, we can look at how you are affected and to give you the rest you need
Grief, Loss, Relationships, Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
- Life sends its challenges, times of Loss and Grief can come in many forms, losing a loved one when they die, loss of your job, identity, independence, movement, your home, your relationships with partners children and family
- Relationships have their difficult times, ends, beginnings and changes
- There are many ways that many people experience PTSD from war, abuse, relationships, accidents, abuse, disease or pandemic
- Traditional Five Element Acupuncture can help you navigate through these difficult times bringing you out stronger and more confident
Tinnitus, Vertigo, Meniere's Disease, Labyrinthitis
These disorders often made worse from stress related issues, as well as stress and exhaustion being the cause. Acupuncture can be effective with these helping patients on the physical and emotional level
Cancer Support and Treatment Side Effects
- Traditional Five Element Acupuncture can help you with your journey with Cancer, ideally Acupuncture can help you avoid Cancer. Though if you are having to work your way though Cancer treatments Acupuncture can help you navigate this. Acupuncture can help you recover from surgery and with the side effects of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.
- Acupuncture can help long term side effects after Cancer treatments, such as Peripheral Neuropathy, Nail problems, Immune Insufficiency, Premature Menopause, and building yourself up again Physically and Emotionally after treatment.
- I also work alongside patients in their last days to support them through their journey with peace.
Chronic or Degenerative Conditions
Acupuncture can help with long term effects of chronic and degenerative diseases, to reduce pain, sleep disturbance and slow down the disease process, Acupuncture can be in conjunction with Western medicine treatments and can also help with the side affects of medications and treatments. At Southwell Acupuncture Clinic I treat many patients with chronic disease supporting them with all aspects of managing their condition and wellbeing.
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Complex Reginal Pain Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
- Sjogre’s Syndrome
Boost Your Immune System with Acupuncture
The Immune System
Your immune system keeps you healthy and helps you ward off infections like the flu or a cold and more serious conditions.
In Traditional Five Element Acupuncture theory the body is protected by something known as the Wei Qi or defensive Qi, is comparable to the immune system in conventional medicine.
It acts as the first line of defence when the body is under attack from external invasions. If the Wei Qi is strong, then the body is capable of fighting off bacteria and viruses. Extreme stress, lack of sleep and a poor diet can all play into how strong the body’s Wei Qi is and how well it performs. Regular Acupuncture treatment helps support the Wei Qi and your whole deeper system.