How I use acupuncture
In the course of a session I take your pulses, look at your tongue, and ask you various questions so I have a good idea of whether and how far you are out of balance and how the different areas of your mind and emotions are functioning. This gives me enough information to know how best to work.
If you haven't had acupuncture before, you might be surprised to find that it can be a fairly enjoyable process, during which you lie down for about twenty minutes and generally emerge pretty relaxed and content.
Acupuncture in combination
I often combine acupuncture treatment with the InterX, sometimes hypnotherapy and occasionally homeopathy during a single session, because that way you are getting the most powerful and effective treatment, not to mention the best value. Of course if there are any particular treatments you specifically want or don't want, I would honour that, and we would discuss it all beforehand.
Acupuncture research
A recent German study of more than 1100 people, which claims to be the largest and most rigorous trial to investigate the benefits of acupuncture, found that, for lower back pain, acupuncture is "almost twice as effective as a combination of drugs, physiotherapy and exercise", and that “Acupuncture gives physicians a promising and effective treatment option for those experiencing chronic low back pain, with few adverse effects or contraindications. The improvements in all primary and secondary outcome measures were significant and lasted long after completion of treatment."
Acupuncture to balance you
Acupuncture is an extremely helpful tool for me to use if you come into a session stressed or exhausted. My focus tends to be on balancing your mood and energy and letting your body return to better functioning.
Herbal powder combinations
In addition to needles, I sometimes use combinations of Chinese herbs in powder form to which you simply add boiling water and drink. I generally do not suggest Chinese herbs during early sessions, as I try to work with what is in front of me to begin with, but if you have a condition that is proving resistant or it seems appropriate, I would suggest a proven Chinese herbal combination that's right for you. The powders are made to high standards of safety and quality.
Acupuncture Training
I was completing a BSc course in acupuncture at LCTA (The London College of Traditional Acupuncture) when the college went into liquidation. I was previously trained by Chinese doctors at Acumedic in Camden Town, London, on a course affiliated with the University of Beijing and am a member of the Chinese Medical Institute & Register (CMIR) so had already been in practice for several years. I also attended a nine-month course on Chinese medical theory and acupressure with Pierre-Jean Cousin in the 1980s.