Acupuncture is one of the disciplines that form TCM. It involves the use of fine needles inserted into specific "acupuncture points" to stimulate the body"s organs and meridian system as identified in the model of traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of which is to restore harmony and to return the body to health by engaging, supporting and enhancing its natural healing processes. Moxibustion, the stimulation of energy by the use of burning the herb Mugwort, (artemisia) is often used in conjunction with acupuncture.

To determine any pattern of disharmony, the acupuncturist needs a detailed understanding of the patient"s lifestyle, diet, work, medical history, and emotional state. The consultation involves questioning, observation, and examination of the tongue, pulses, and abdomen. What the practitioner is seeking are not symptoms in isolation, but rather a pattern into which is woven a picture of the patient"s state of health. The frequency of treatment and length of a course of treatment depend upon the condition, the length of time the patient has suffered from it and their general state of health.

My specific areas of specialised interest are in chronic and acute pain management and in fertility and pregnancy issues.

In the area of fertility treatment, I work using both the TCM approach and also, with increasing in recent years, work using acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for women undergoing assisted fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI. Acupuncture can be used prior to conception, throughout pregnancy, during labour, and for post-natal problems. In late pregnancy Moxibustion may be used to turn a breech presentation, it can also be used to help induce labour.

In the area of pain management, both acute and chronic, low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown to be particularly affective.

Some Conditions Commonly Treated with Acupuncture

Internal Diseases: Dizziness, migraine, sciatica, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, sinusitis, acute dental pain,, headaches, constipation, haemorrhoids, IBS, cystitis, anxiety disorders, hypertension, low back pain, insomnia, trigeminal neuralgia, Bells palsy, bronchitis shingles, persistent cough, post-viral fatigue syndromes including long covid and ME.

Gynaecological Disorders: Irregular periods, painful periods, absence of periods, PMS, anaemia, menopausal problems.

Pregnancy Related Conditions: Pre-conception care and nutrition, morning sickness, threatened miscarriage, heartburn, oedema, anxiety, painful urination syndrome, constipation, headache, induction, haemorrhoids, mastitis, post-natal depression.

Addictions: Tobacco, recreational drugs, food, alcohol.

Other Treatments