What is Five Element Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a holistic system of medicine that has been used for 4,000 years+ to promote a balance of wellbeing. Traditional acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques; focussing on the individual, not their illness, and seeing all symptoms in relation to each other. Because every patient is unique, even if two people have been given the same western diagnosis, each will receive different acupuncture treatments.
How does it work?
Acupuncture works by balancing the whole body on a physical and emotional level. This gives Acupuncture the scope for helping many conditions ranging from pain relief to women's health and includes psychological factors such as anxiety, stress and depression. The aim of the course of treatment is to maximise one's potential in health and general well being. A growing body of evidence-based clinical research shows that traditional acupuncture safely treats a wide range of common health problems.
Most people go through periods in their life when they don't feel 100% well. A traditional acupuncturist will focus on correcting the underlying cause of illness which will be different for every individual. Consequently, there are no 'off-the-peg' treatments or points prescriptions. A number of chosen Acupuncture points are used to help balance the body. The Acupuncture points that may be used are not always close to the part of the body where you have the problem.
Do the needles hurt?
Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles that used for injections and blood test. When a needle is inserted the sensation created is often described as a tingling or a dull ache.
What will the treatment involve?
At your first appointment lasting 1hr 30 min, the practitioner will ask about your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The acupuncturist will also feel your pulses on both wrist and may ask to look at your tongue. Suitable acupuncture points will then be selected. The insertion of very fine needles into acupuncture points will help to simulate the body to help it to heal itself. Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition and your body's healing response. This will be discussed with your practitioner, however most people feel a difference after 4/5 treatments.