Sports injury treatment in Thornbury

In the first treatment, a case history is taken to diagnose how the energies have gone out of balance. Then with the client lying on the couch fully clothed, I take the Chinese pulses (taken on both wrists) and then look at the tongue.

The information from this along with the case history, allows me to work out how I will treat you. The treatment consists of inserting very fine acupuncture needles into specific points relating to the diagnosis. These points are usually on the arms and legs. The needles can be left in for 15 to 20 minutes, or may be taken out straight away.

Once the needles are removed, the treatment is complete. Follow up treatments are generally quicker as there is a review, but no case history. 

Acupuncture works by bringing the natural motivating energy of the body, known as chi or qi back into balance and harmony. From Chinese philosophy, when this vital energy becomes unbalanced, illness will result. 

If you receive treatment from a qualified, registered acupuncturist, he or she is bound by the strict code of hygiene, ensuring the correct sterile procedures. This includes single use disposable sterile needles, strict handwashing with the use of bactericidal hand cleanser. The code of hygiene can be viewed on the British Acupuncture Council website. 

Acupuncture needles are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests. When they are inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. 

I need to take a case history during our first session together. During this first session we will agree a review date.

 Generally, for something simple like tennis elbow, the review point will be at session 3. For more complex complaints the review point will be at session 5. 

You need to look for a qualified and registered practitioner. Someone who gives an initial consultation to assess your suitability for acupuncture is preferable. The British Acupuncture Council is the primary voluntary register for acupuncturists in the UK. Currently it is working towards state registration.