Acupuncture
Traditional acupuncture is practised in China and is now growing rapidly in popularity throughout the rest of the world. Acupuncture is an holistic therapy which means it treats the person as a whole, rather than treating symptoms alone. The practitioner considers not only the physical state of the patient but also their emotion and mental one.
Everyone’s well-being depends on the quality and amount of energy or Qi (pronounced chee) which runs throughout our bodies inside energy channels. The Qi represents our basic construction. Our lifestyle including eating habits, physical exercise, balance of emotions and working life all contribute to how our Qi flows, therefore any extreme causes an imbalance.
Over a period of time these imbalances of energy manifest themselves as various conditions and illnesses. The practitioner ascertains where the imbalances are and corrects the flow of Qi by inserting fine needles into specific points to treat the person and alleviate any symptoms.
“Since injuring my back 55 years ago I have constantly suffered with a niggling 24 hour lower back pain. I have seen numerous specialists, had many MRI scans and been to medical and holistic practitioners worldwide in the hope of easing the discomfort. A year ago I started treatment with Mel Pickering which was a combination of Acupuncture and Deep tissue Massage. After many treatments he released a deep, trapped muscle spasm and “pushed” my spine back into lace. I am now more than grateful to play tennis, golf, hike and travel for long distances without all the old associated discomfort.” F.H Matlock
Acupuncture is able to treat many conditions western medicine can only help with short or long term medication. This system of healing health on all three levels, hence the range of conditions acupuncture treats is extensive.
The most commonly treated are
- fertility
- back problems
- migraines
- menstrual problems
- digestive disorders
- chronic fatigue
- depression
- stress
- insomnia
- arthritis
- muscular injuries
- anxiety
The National Institute for Health and Chemical Excellence (www.nice.org.uk) issued guidelines (May 2009) for the NHS to recommend acupuncture as effective early management of persistent non-specific low back pain.
What to expect in the treatment room
Between 45 minutes and 1 1/2 hours are needed for the first treatment, as the practitioner gathers information on the patient’s personal details e.g. family history, medical information etc. before treatment commences. The time ensures the practitioner understands fully and the treatment plan is tailored to them. Thereafter, sessions last approximately 45 minutes. Six sessions are recommended to ensure energy imbalances are corrected. The frequency of treatment is weekly initially to help alleviate symptoms, tailoring off as the patient improves. Many patients often return several times a year once they are well to maintain their health and keep any problems at bay.
When I first visited Mel three years ago I was at the point of total despair. I had suffered for the last 15 years with horrendous neck, shoulder and back pain. My movement was limited; in fact, a consultant at the hospital had classed me as being 60% disabled.
My life at this time was full of pain, medication and endless physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment; there was no quality to my life.
I was being nagged by a former colleague to see Mel and try remedial massage and acupuncture because he insisted Mel would “sort it out”. I was reluctant to try something I knew nothing about, especially as I was already receiving treatment by a chiropractor. I had also been told by a consultant that there was nothing anyone could do for me and that I had to learn to live with my problem and adjust my life accordingly, even to the point of giving up work.
Three years on I no longer take medication and I can do things I could not do for over 15 years, such as playing squash and disappointingly the ironing! I never gave up working.”
Gail Willis, Nottingham Health-care NHS Trust.
PRICES:
1st appointment: £65
Follow up appointments: £38
45 minute session of TCM with Mel Pickering :£38