Acupuncture at Bridgeham

Acupuncture is an ancient, well respected and widely practised natural therapy. It can safely and effectively help with a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, either on its own or alongside conventional Western medicine.
‍
Pain and illness are signs of imbalance, which happens when the body’s Qi, or vital energy, cannot flow freely. This can happen for many reasons, with emotional and physical stress, poor nutrition, infection or injury amongst the most common causes.
‍
The overall aim of acupuncture treatment is to restore balance. It works through the insertion and stimulation of ultra-fine, sterile needles along the body’s energetic pathways, or channels. These contain and carry Qi to all parts of the body - from the most superficial level (skin, hair, nails) to the deepest (organs, bones, blood).
‍
In a way, acupuncture and channels work similarly to a water irrigation system. Needles inserted in a strategic combination of points release or redirect the flow of Qi into deficient areas, gently rebalancing the disharmony and removing pathogens.
‍
Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and injuries - from clearly defined symptoms to more general feelings of ill health and discomfort, reduced energy or low mood.

‍

What to expect

At your first appointment you will be assessed regarding your current state of health, medical history and constitution. Symptoms which may seem unrelated can often be inter-related and two separate issues can be part of the same pattern.

All information provided by you will be held in strict confidence. Once the medical history has been taken, you will be asked to lie down on a treatment couch and your pulses will be taken. In Chinese Medicine we take many more pulses than in western medicine as these indicate the state of organs and meridians.

You will be asked to show the practitioner your tongue which also gives an indication of your state of health. After this, very fine, sterile needles will be inserted into the skin and left in place for 20 minutes. During this time, the practitioner will continue to check the pulses and explain what is happening.

You are encouraged to offer feedback about what you are experiencing if you wish but you may just feel like lying back and relaxing, some people even have a snooze during treatment – whatever feels comfortable for you, is right for you.

We advise you to wear loose, comfortable clothing which will allow you to move easily and can be rolled up if needed.  In some cases, you may need to remove a particular item of clothing.  Towels and blankets will be provided to maintain modesty.

‍