Heal with a natural, holistic healthcare system
Acupuncture at Oasis
Acupuncture is several thousand years old and works to promote health, to restore and preserve balance, and stimulate your body’s natural healing.
Acupuncture is perhaps best known for its treatment of the following:
- Chronic Pain
- Mental Health
- Fertility
- Headache and Migraine
- Allergic respiratory conditions (Hay fever)
- Osteoarthritis
- Digestive issues
The British Acupuncture Council have prepared factsheets on over 60 conditions. If your condition is not listed above you can find further information here.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a technique that involves the insertion of ultra fine needles at specific points on the body. These are sterile and single use, often finer than a human hair.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture generally does not hurt. Some people feel a mild tingle or dull ache, which is completely normal, and some people feel nothing. While the needles are in place most people feel deeply relaxed, a feeling that can continue after they are removed.
How does it work?
Traditional acupuncture theory believes that the insertion of needles at specific points (on special pathways called meridians), will re-establish the free flow of Qi; the body’s life energy.
In Western scientific terms, acupuncture has been found to work by stimulating the production of natural chemicals. These include endorphins to relieve pain, melatonin to encourage sleep, serotonin to enhance emotional well being and adenosine which reduces inflammation.
Further information
The evidence base for Acupuncture is growing exponentially, with over 13,000 studies in 60 countries over the past 20 years! Please see this evidence for further information.
1. Treatment information
Your practitioner is trained to use a range of diagnostic techniques that focus on the individual. This will explore the physical and emotional symptoms being experienced, which are seen in relation to each other and regarded as interconnected.
During your first visit you will be asked about the condition(s) for which you’re seeking treatment in addition to your general health, medical history and lifestyle. All of this is important information from which we can make a diagnosis in Chinese medicine terms and develop an acupuncture point prescription.
Your treatment plan may involve not only acupuncture but also some suggestions on changes to lifestyle or diet.
Your practitioner has also been trained in cupping, moxibustion, auricular and electro acupuncture, if these are appropriate for your condition(s) they will be explained to you before treatment and you can decide if you want to take advantage of them.
2. Downtime
You may feel slightly tired after treatment, so its best to avoid heavy exertion or exercise, large meals and very hot baths for the rest of the day. It’s also advisable to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after a treatment, and to drink plenty of water.
Minor bleeding or bruising can occur in about 3% of treatments and some patients can feel faint, particularly at the first treatment.
Acupuncture is a very safe therapy, and we only use single-use, sterile disposable needles. Serious side effects from the treatment itself are very rare – less than one per 10,000 treatments.
3. Suitability
Preparing for treatment
No special preparation is necessary for a treatment, although it’s best to avoid acupuncture on an empty stomach – so try to eat a light meal or have a snack before coming for treatment. It’s also helpful if you wear loose, comfortable clothing.
It is important to tell us if you are either pregnant or trying to conceive – there are certain acupuncture points that should be avoided in pregnancy.
If you are taking any prescription or over the counter medicines, please bring details of these to your first appointment. Certain conditions and medication require your practitioner to take additional precautions, these will be explained to you.
If you are seeking acupuncture for the side effects of cancer treatments you will be asked to provide information from your blood tests for neutrophil and platelet counts. Acupuncture is contraindicated when these are very low.
4. Cost of the treatment
Consultation – Free of charge
Initial appointment – Comprehensive Diagnostic Consultation (this does not include any treatment) – £50
Acupuncture Treatment session – £50
Block of 6 treatments – £275
Block of 12 treatments – £550
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