People often look to alternatives when they feel that western medicine offers insufficient explanation or treatment - cases such as arthritis, frozen shoulders, golf/ tennis and running injuries, sinus problems, weight loss, stress, insomnia and gynaecological issues. They may have tried acupuncture before and found it effective or have friends and family who report back positively.

There are many controlled studies that show the effectiveness of acupuncture, for example by using acupuncture with MRI scanning. Even though there is still no definitive modern medical explanation of how it works (research has shown positive effects of acupuncture on the nervous and endocrine system, the brain and on circulation as well as muscle spasms), many GPs are happy to refer their patients to a British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) trained acupuncturist for pain relief and other symptoms.

The 3-4 year acupuncture training involves 2 years of anatomy, physiology & pathology, a thorough understanding of 'red-flag' issues (i.e. when to refer to GP or consultant) as well as a working knowledge of medical pharmacology.

Acupuncture is based on the traditions of Chinese Medicine. Records show acupuncture being used 4000 years ago and since then there has been constant refinement followed by decades of research. In China, acupuncture is used alongside western medicine to get the best result for the patient. We use fine needles inserted into specific points on the body (usually along nerve pathways) to produce change for the better. Most treatments involve up to 12 needles put into different places. Usually the needles are placed around the lower leg, ankle, wrist and abdomen.  For facial acupuncture, the tiniest needles are inserted just below the skin, into fine lines around the eyes, forehead and mouth - or wherever the ‘problem’ areas are. The needles are sterile, medical-grade stainless steel using environmentally-friendly bamboo wrapping, and are hair-thin so treatments are usually pain-free. After use they are deposited in a medical ‘sharps bin’ which is sent for incineration when full.

Some patients have needle-phobia or specific parts of the body they don't want needled and I can work around that.  For needle-phobic patients I often use points on the back so they don't need to see what's happening.  Other patients find their curiosity and the fact that they're relaxed, actually helps them overcome any worries about the needles.