Trained acupuncturists insert fine needles into the skin at very specific points on the body. This is believed to encourage the body's ability to heal itself and to restore its natural balance.

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of problems.

• Pain: most types of chronic pain; including neck and back pain, pain from arthritis and sports injuries.
• Nerve pain including trigeminal neuralgia, trapped nerves and sciatica.
• Chronic muscle strains and plantar fasciitis
• Migraines, chronic headaches and sinusitis
• Anxiety, stress and depression
• Bowel and digestive problems.
• Tiredness and chronic fatigue syndrome
• Menstrual and menopausal symptoms and infertility
• Bladder problems and irritability
• Hay fever, allergies and rhinitis
• Nausea and vomiting following operations..
• Acupuncture is used during pregnancy, for back pain, morning sickness and for pain relief during childbirth.

Our experience of needles is usually limited to injections and blood tests, so many people are frightened of the concept of acupuncture.

Acupuncture needles are much finer than conventional medical needles, so the feeling when they are inserted is more like a tingling or a dull ache rather than the sharp bee-sting sensation of an injection.

Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or may be left in place for a few minutes or more, depending on the effect needed. You may feel a heaviness in your arms and legs or you may just experience a pleasant relaxation.
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.

The acupuncturist will ask you about symptoms and your medical history and any medication you are taking.

If appropriate the acupuncturist will insert fine needles into your skin at various sites. There may only be one site usually no more than six.

The needles may be moved, by either twisting or pecking the needle gently on bone (periosteal needling)
A course of treatments is usually six sessions. An improvement will normally be seen after three. Acupuncture does not work for everybody so if you have not made an improvement after three you may not be helped by Acupuncture.

Research in the British Medical journal confirmed that when carried out by a competent practitioner, acupuncture is a very safe therapy. Serious side effects can occur after acupuncture but the risk has been estimated as less than 1 per 10,000 treatments.
It is important to let your therapist know if you have any medical problems including fits and faints, if you have a pacemaker or heart valve damage. Heart or lung disease, cancer, clotting problems or if you are taking anticoagulants or any other medication including complementary remedies or aspirin.
We only use disposable needles.
It's sensible not to plan anything strenuous after treatment because symptoms may sometimes get worse for a short time or you may feel tired and light headed. if you are feeling unwell don't drive until the drowsiness or dizziness passes.
Occasionally you may feel pain or have a little bleeding or bruising after treatment.

Anthony was trained in Western Medical Acupuncture by Dr Anthony Campbell, a former consultant at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital.
Anthony is a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society