Acupuncture at TFP Chelmsford
I have been working alongside TFP Chelmsford since it started seven years ago providing acupuncture for couples undergoing assisted fertility (IVF, IUI) as well as assisting those trying to concieve naturally.
treatments can be undergone at any stage prior to starting a IVF cyle, durining the medication stage, on the day of embryo transfer and during pregnancy.
Millions of people around the world have turned to acupuncture to help with and overcome many conditions. It’s been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and is used in over 180 countries.
Western medicine has long embraced acupuncture as a form of complementary or alternative medicine. It can be offered in NHS GP practices, alongside UK pain clinics and hospices.
As a School of Five Element Acupuncture-qualified practitioner, I use acupuncture to treat a range of conditions, as well as helping with fertility and IVF.
It can be a fast and effective way to ease pain in various parts of the body, help people who are dealing with mental health issues, including depression or anxiety, and relieve digestive disorders - to name just a few.
What is acupuncture?
According to the NHS definition, acupuncture involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles using acupuncture needles placed by a practitioner.
Traditional acupuncture in Oriental medicine is founded on the belief that an energy called Qi - pronounced ‘chi’ - flows through our bodies in channels known as meridians.
Acupuncture practitioners, sometimes named acupuncturists, believe illness is caused when Qi does not flow freely, while releasing that flow can help restore good health.
Modern medicine sometimes takes issue with the effectiveness of acupuncture, but it’s difficult to argue against thousands of years of successful results and benefits.
How acupuncture treatment works
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of needles into specific places on the body called acupuncture points.
At my acupuncture clinic, I use single-use, pre-sterilised needles that are incredibly fine - about the size of a few hairs on your head.
Depending on the condition I’m treating, the disposable needles could be inserted at several specific points used during a typical session.
I place them either just under the skin or deeper if they need to reach muscle, where they can be left for between a few minutes up to around half an hour.
What can you, as a British Acupuncture Council-accredited practitioner, treat?
It’s a good question and the variety of answers may surprise you.
Pain
Acupuncture has been effective in easing all kinds of body pain, from sports injuries to lower back and knee pain.
It’s a treatment recommended by the NHS on its website to help patients with chronic or long-term pain symptoms, chronic tension-type headaches and migraines.
I’ve also treated clients suffering with sciatica pains, frozen shoulder, stiff neck and arthritis.
Insomnia and chronic fatigue
Acupuncturists can help get your sleep patterns back on track. I’m proud to say I’ve had many patients who, after trying other treatments, have gained balance in their life after using my services.
Digestive disorders
I have used the treatment at my clinic to help people coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as chronic indigestion, bloating, nausea and constipation.
Skin conditions
Acupuncture can be effective against skin irritations including eczema, asthma, psoriasis and acne, and is gentler than chemical treatments.
Mental health issues
As an acupuncturist, I have helped patients at my clinic who are facing challenging neurological or mental health problems, including stress management, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and addiction.
It can also be useful to boost your well being if you’re feeling generally ‘out of sorts’ or are ‘off colour’ but can’t explain the symptoms.
Menstrual and menopausal health disorders
Acupuncture has provided relief to and treatments for many clients suffering debilitating pre-menstrual tension, bleeding disorder, painful periods, polycystic ovary syndrome or hot flushes.
Fertility support
As an accredited British Acupuncture Council practitioner, I have had the privilege of helping many couples ease the anxiety and stress linked to fertility issues and undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.
Acupuncture treatments can be hugely effective in these cases, enabling patients to relax and get pregnant. More than two-thirds of over 20 published clinical trials showing a statistical benefit for having acupuncture during an IVF cycle.
I’m proud to say I was among the earliest UK practitioners of a specific acupuncture protocol that significantly increases the chances of pregnancy.
What to expect during acupuncture treatment
The first thing you’ll receive is a warm welcome. My clinic helps a wide range of people from all walks of life, some of whom might even be a bit sceptical about the work of acupuncturists. That’s okay.
Your first visit is all about me getting a thorough understanding of your main complaint and general health by asking lots of questions about your medical history and current symptoms.
It might seem as though some of my questions aren’t related to your condition but they’re a key component of creating a complete picture of your health and lifestyle.
A physical examination and a personalised plan
During this session I will also take your pulse on both wrists and physically examine your body for areas of muscular tension or search for evidence of pain on contact.
After this, I’ll devise a specific treatment plan tailored to your condition and requirements, including the number of acupuncture sessions you’ll need to attend at my clinic.
The treatment itself
The sensation of having acupuncture is very different from having an injection as my needles are so fine.
Acupuncture treatment is a unique feeling, often described as a dull ache which triggers feelings of calmness and tranquility. Most of my patients find it very relaxing and drift off to sleep - that’s one of the extra benefits.
What might surprise you is where I place the needles. For example, if you’re struggling with headaches, I may insert them in your foot or hand.
That’s because energy meridians range across the whole body, and the acupuncture points used during treatments aren’t always located close to where you experience discomfort or pain.
Common side-effects
In line with all professional acupuncture practitioners, I always use disposable, sterile needles, minimising the risk of contact infection.
However, some patients can experience side effects such as soreness, minor bleeding or bruising at the points of insertion.
It’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor if you’re considering undergoing acupuncture before visiting mine or other clinics.
Is your acupuncture clinic near me?
My clinic is located in Rochford, Essex. It’s open Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm, and on Saturdays between 10am to 2pm.
There’s ample parking for all clients. My acupuncture treatment sessions last between 45 minutes and one hour, and each one costs £40.
Contact me and book your appointment
Whether you’re fed up with niggling back or joint pain, want to overcome anxiety, or help and support during IVF, the search for solutions ends here: I can help.
To book a date for an appointment, call 01702 258101 or 07885 224669, or fill in this contact form on my website and I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.