Acupuncture is an ancient system of  healing, which has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for over 2000 years. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body. These stimulate energy which flows through the body along a series of channels under the skin, encouraging a person’s own healing  response. Acupuncture aims to treat the whole person by helping to re-establish the natural balance.

At the initial consultation you will be asked  various questions about your general health, as well as your current symptoms. Your lifestyle, diet and your  medical and family health history may also be investigated. Diagnosis will include feeling your pulses on both wrists and looking at the state of your tongue for signs which might indicate patterns of disharmony.

On average between 4 and 13 needles are used. In some cases the needles are removed almost  immediately and in other treatments they may  remain in place for up to 25 minutes. For certain conditions moxa, a smouldering herb known as mugwort, may be used to warm acupuncture points. Cupping may also be suggested as a useful  treatment to relieve colds or muscular tension.

Electro-acupuncture is a gentle form of stimulation that can alleviate muscular and joint pain. It is  also  effective  for  facial  revitalization  of  lines  and  creases. Initially treatments are weekly,  depending on the nature of the problem. Sometimes people have dramatic effects from two or three treatments, others with more chronic conditions may need treatment spread over a number of months. As improvements in health are  experienced, treatments can be spaced out to fortnightly or monthly sessions, as required.

Acupuncture can help a wide range of conditions  including asthma, hayfever, coughs and colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, digestive problems (such as heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea or IBS), skin problems (such as eczema, urticaria, acne, psoriasis), emotional conditions,( such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, panic attacks), bladder problems, infertility, PMS and menstrual problems, menopausal hot flushes, arthritis, sports injuries, sciatica, back pain, headache, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, M.E.  It can provide pain relief for many conditions and is also effective in assisting people who are trying to beat drug, alcohol or smoking addictions.

Qualifications and Standards
Tracey Frankson graduated from The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading which has candidacy with The British Acupuncture Accreditation Board. This three year course included the study of Western medical sciences to ensure a general understanding of the conventional illnesses diagnosed and treated by a doctor.  As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, she is covered by professional indemnity  insurance and bound by a strict code of ethics and safe practice.

Is it painful?
Needles are so fine that any sensation should be minimal. At the point that the tip of the needle reaches the Qi, below the surface of the skin, a dull ache or mild tingling is often felt. This is a good  response.         

Acupuncture is a safe, drug-free treatment that can improve a person’s sense of well-being and restore their energy. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is dependent on an energy or life force to maintain health and harmony. This energy is known as Qi. The flow of Qi can be disrupted by emotions, stress,  lifestyle, infections, diet, trauma and  toxins, and even climate. This leads to illness and disease which manifests differently in each individual, whether physically,  emotionally or spiritually. Acupuncture,  by treating the whole person, aims to recover that equilibrium.

Acupuncture for Infertility
Infertility is diagnosed when no pregnancy has been achieved after a couple have been trying regularly for over a year. It is an increasingly common problem with approximately 10-15% of British couples having difficulty conceiving at some point.

Acupuncture has been proven to assist solve the problem with studies comparing pregnancy rates for women undergoing acupuncture to those undergoing conventional fertility treatments. Not only did the group receiving acupuncture show higher pregnancy rates, but another study also showed that there was a marked reduction in side-effects and miscarriage in the acupuncture group. Acupuncture can also play a vital role in supporting conventional treatment as a BMJ review found an increase in the chance of pregnancy by 65% if IVF is accompanied by acupuncture as well with the chance of a life birth increasing by 91%.

Acupuncture can also improve male fertility, increasing both number of healthy sperm and sperm motility. This is very important considering that 40% of infertility problems are caused by male conditions.

Your acupuncturist will do a full diagnosis to determine the underlying causes.