Acupuncture – Gethyn Williams

What is it and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a system of medicine that has been practised in China and other countries for over 3000 years. In Chinese Medicine, vital life energy called ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) flows through the body via a network of subtle energy channels or meridians.

Disease occurs when the natural flow or Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, depleted or out of balance. This can be caused by factors such as emotional stress, diet, overwork, living conditions, infection or injury.

Along each meridian are a number of acupuncture points at which the Qi can be directly affected. By inserting fine needles into these specific points an acupuncturist can stimulate or sedate the flow of Qi to re-balance the person’s energy and thus remove the cause of the disease.

Symptoms are often due to the body trying to re-balance itself so when this is achieved they will disappear.

What happens during treatment?
Each treatment session last 1 hour, a full case history will be taken to assess your symptoms, medication, past history, lifestyle, diet and sleep. The diagnosis is made based on your individual symptoms, examining the tongue and feeling the pulses at each wrist for quality, rhythm and strength. This is to find which meridians need re-balancing to improve the condition. Then a number of points on the body are carefully selected to be needled.

A minimal number of needles is used, typically 3 or 4, but occasionally more. The needles are sterile, single use disposable needles of stainless steel. The needles are left in place for up to 20 minutes while the patient relaxes.

What does it feel like?
You may notice a slight pricking sensation or tingling as the needle is inserted into the skin. Many people experience a pleasant feeling of relaxation during and after treatment.

Number of treatment vary, as each patient is different. The longer you have had a problem the more treatments you are likely to need but most people notice the benefit after 4 – 6 regular treatments. Sometimes the effects of treatment can be quite dramatic and only one or two treatments may be required.

Acupuncture can help many conditions such as, Acne, Addictions, Allergies, Back Pain, Bladder Problems, Catarrh, Chronic Fatigue, Circulatory Disorder, Colitis, Cystitis, Depression, Diarrhoea, Digestive Problems, Eczema, Facial Paralysis, Frozen Shoulder, Haemorrhoids, Hiatus Hernia, High Blood Pressure, Infertility, Insomnia, IBS, Oedema, ME, Menopausal Problems, Migraine, Palpitations, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Shingles, Sinusitis, Stress, Tennis Elbow, Tinnitus, Ulcers.