Acupuncture By Kirstie

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Acupuncture By Kirstie - for Navenby, Wellingore, the Cliff Villages, Fen and Heath. Kirstie Smith,BSc (Hons)MBAcC, practices in the Village of Navenby, 8 miles south of Lincoln, (off the A607). Please note, the Google map above is a little out, (only 50 0r 60 metres), but approach along East Road, which is opposite the famous "Reindeer Fish and Chip Shop, (yes! 40 years ago it was a pub!), and drive on past the school and past the cemetery, and then turn left into Ermine Drive.

Traditional Acupuncture treats you - the whole person and not just the symptom. Our Holistic approach recognises that your illness and pain are signs that your body is out of balance.

What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture has been practised for thousands of years to treat a number of illnesses. There is focus on improving overall well-being of the patient rather than isolated treatment of particular symptoms. In Traditional Chinese philosophy health is dependent on the body's Qi – its motivating energy. Qi moves in a balanced way through the meridians (channels) beneath the skin. Qi (pronounce Qi as 'chee') has the equal and opposite qualities of Yin and Yang. It is when these become unbalanced that illness may result. Flow of Qi can be disturbed by: stress, anger, anxiety, fear, poor nutrition, infections, or shock. Chinese philosophy dictates that the acupuncturist inserts fine needles into the channels of energy, and stimulates the body's healing response to help to restore its natural balance, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

The British Acupuncture Council suggest:- "traditional acupuncture is a holistic healthcare system that regards pain and illness, whether physical or mental, to be a sign that the body is out of balance. Because traditional acupuncture considers every bodily function to be connected and interdependent, it recognises the role emotions play in illness and disease. The overall aim of treatment is to restore the body's equilibrium".

The BAcC continues:- "A traditional acupuncturist's main focus is on correcting the underlying cause of illness which will be different for every individual. Consequently, there are no 'off-the-peg' treatments or points prescriptions.
Traditional acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined over thousands of years. We focus on the individual, not their illness, and see all symptoms in relation to each other. Because every patient is unique, two people with the same western diagnosis may each receive different acupuncture treatments.

The underlying principle is that illness and pain occur when the body's qi, or vital energy, cannot flow freely. The body's energy meridians can become obstructed, in much the same way as a trapped nerve or blocked artery. This can be for any number of reasons such as emotional and physical stress, poor nutrition, infection, or injury.

By inserting ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points, a traditional acupuncturist seeks to re-establish the free flow of qi to restore balance and trigger the body's natural healing response.

A growing body of evidence based clinical research shows that traditional acupuncture safely treats a wide range of common health problems, ( Check the BAcC website at www .acupuncture.org.uk ).

Your Consultation (normally around one and a half hours) is your first visit and your symptoms will be discussed in great detail to allow the Acupuncturist to learn about your problem, your general health and your conventional medical history.

Your pulse is taken and a tongue examination carried out. Your responses and the practitioner's observations are then used to construct a “treatment plan” tailored for you and your needs. The number of “follow on” treatments you are likely to need, will be discussed and this agreed between you and your practitioner. Individuals and their illnesses will have different treatment plans.

What happens during treatment?
Treatment involves the insertion of very fine stainless steel needles (hygienically prepared and sealed in packets prior to use) at very particular points on your body. This is to regulate the flow of qi. Insertion is normally painless but the needles are manipulated to best effect.

Other techniques (massage, electro acupuncture or acupressure) may be suggested by the practitioner. Sometimes a treatment uses smouldering moxa, a herb, (in moxibustion) to warm the needles, or cupping, (where suction cups are applied to the body), may be suggested.

What do I Feel? When the needles are inserted, some people do not feel anything particularly life changing. Some feel a small sharp sensation often followed by a feeling of heaviness, numbness, heat or some other sensation. Most people feel an agreeable sensation during and following treatment. It is also very relaxing and patients often feel calm and more balanced following treatment. As the practitioner I am at hand to reassure and always available if you are concerned once you get home following your treatment, please do telephone the clinic if you are in any way concerned.

Treatments - How Many, How often? The response of patients to treatment differs from person to person. You will generally experience discernible relief after a few acupuncture treatments (many people experience relief almost immediately, particularly if the condition is "acute"). Treatment of longer term , chronic conditions generally requires treatment over a longer period before significant relief is seen. Guidelines and experience suggest, that four to six sessions. are appropriate. I will review and keep you informed of progress and options at each visit.

I generally see patients weekly for the first few treatments. Your response to treatment is usually cumulative, so as symptoms abate, we increase the time between your treatments. A course of four to six sessions would take place over 1 – 3 months as required.

Hours of Business

Monday to Friday, 0800 - 2000. Saturday, 0800 to 1230.

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