ANNETTE LUCAS
MBAaC, Dip.Ac, Dip AcM, MRSS
Registered member of the British Acupuncture Council
Registered with Shiatsu Society UK.
Acupuncture – Tracing Its Origins & Development.
Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of medicine used in China and the Far East for several thousands of years.
Acupuncture forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Some of the earliest writings were contained in a comprehensive collection of 34 books, called Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine or Huang Di Nei Jing, dating to the third century BC.
Around c.2500BC stone needles were excavated from a tomb in Inner Mongolia. Wood Bone and even ceramic needles were also thought to be used. Then during the Chang Dynasty, c.1000BC Bronze needles were produced and commonly used to treat dis-ease.
Chinese Medicine developed in many forms. It wasn’t until the 19th century that it was introduced to the West by Jesuit missionaries returning from China and the Far East.
Eventually in the 1950’s and 60’s schools teaching this ancient art were founded.
It is now tightly regulated and is becoming more popular. Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as an effective adjunct to Western therapies.
Is It Safe?
Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2000 years and has an excellent track record. All needles are sterile, disposable and used only once. The British Acupuncture Council requires its members to adhere to strict codes of practice which ensures a safe treatment for yourself.
Some people feel a little light headed and tired following treatment. You may also experience some minor bruising. These responses however, are short lived.
What does it feel like?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points. They are not like injections where the needles have a barrel and a larger gauge. A tingling sensation and dull ache may be felt following the insertion of a needle.
How Does It Work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture is based on the body’s natural energy flowing freely, in a balanced way, through channels under the skin.
Ill health is experienced as a result of an interruption in the body’s natural flow of energy, or Qi (pronounced chee). This can be caused by a number of factors:
Emotions, Physical Injury, Poor Diet, Constitutional, Environment.
Acupuncture aims to treat the root cause as well as the symptoms you present with. In this way the benefits you experience can be longer lasting.
In Western terms Acupuncture is thought to work through the following:
- The Stimulation of Nerve Fibres
- The Release of Neurotransmitters and Hormones, including pain relieving Endorphins
- Influencing electrical charge within the body
What Can It Help With?
Acupuncture can be beneficial for a wide range of health issues.
These include:
- Headaches, Migraines and Facial Pain
- Joint and Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Sports Injuries
- Anxiety & Depression
- PMS and Menstrual Problems
- Menopause
- Infertility and assist IVF treatment
- Pregnancy support
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Stopping Smoking
- Fibromyalgia
- Sinusitis and Rhinitis
- Asthma
- IBS
The World Health Organisation recognises twenty eight conditions for which acupuncture has been clinically proven and an additional 80 for which it seems effective.
Acupuncture promotes health and wellbeing.
It can be used to attain optimum health so it is not necessary to wait to be ill in the Western sense, before having acupuncture.
What Happens During A Session?
Your first consultation will involve an assessment of your health to enable a full diagnosis and treatment best suited to your needs. You will be asked about your current symptoms and your medical history. It will be useful to bring along a list of your current medication. ?Anything here about emotional state and interrelationship?
Information will be gathered by taking your pulse and looking at your tongue. Both of these can offer important diagnostic information, but can seem unusual if it is your first consultation.
Points will then be carefully chosen depending upon your diagnosis. The session may include the use of Massage, Moxibustion and Cupping.
Moxa comes from the Mugwort plant. It is a gentle heat treatment that is very pleasant to receive.
Cupping involves creating a suction with cups over a certain area and is very useful for alleviating pain caused by tight muscles. Cups can also be used over specific points depending on your diagnosis.
The session lasts up to an hour.
How Often Will I Need To Come?
The number of sessions depends on your individual health requirements. Often a series of sessions, around 6-8 sessions may be needed. Occasionally one or two treatments are enough, for example for acute conditions. However, more chronic conditions may require longer term treatments.
The number of sessions will be discussed at your consultation.
What About Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Facial Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles to promote:
- Enhanced Complexion and Tone.
- Wrinkle and Blemish Reduction
- Scar Reduction
- Improvement in Signs of Sun Damage
Improvements are usually noticeable after a few weekly sessions. However, points also include those that benefit your overall health, so you may notice an improvement to your general well-being.
Occasional maintenance sessions can help prolong the above benefits.
Why Should I Choose Acupuncture?
Your health is important. With modern day stresses and stretched finances maintaining better health, minimising time off work, is a priority.
Better health means better quality of life for both yourself and those you care about.
Annette is an experienced and fully registered practitioner. She offers a professional and confidential service tailored to best meet your individual needs.
Practitioner Profile
Annette began her journey into Complementary Medicine over a decade ago.
She has gained considerable clinical experience working with individuals with a wide range of physical and emotional health issues. This has been in both general practice and projects working with individuals with specific issues.
Annette has over 10 years of experience and is very committed to working with survivors of abuse; physical, emotional and sexual. Individuals have reported feeling more in control of their lives and a sense of calm following therapies.
Annette has been employed for over 4 years at a Community Based Project delivering tailored therapies to both individuals and groups. This required considerable flexibility and commanded experience in a variety of areas. During this time she gained particular experience working with individuals with past and present drug and alcohol issues and those wanting to stop smoking. Annette delivered NADA (National Auricular Detoxification Association) protocol group acupuncture to aid recovery in these areas.
Annette is also teaching Shiatsu at the Northern School of Shiatsu, on the 3 year practitioner diploma course, in Sheffield. She has been involved with the Northern School of Shiatsu since qualifying herself as a practitioner.
Her experience and knowledge of bodywork therapies is naturally integrated into her acupuncture sessions enabling best possible clinical outcome.
She is also working towards Masters level in Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture validated by the University of Wales.
Annette is happy to be contacted if you have any questions regarding your Acupuncture session. She works daytimes and evenings so you can book a time suited to your schedule.
If you would like to book an appointment please call Kenwood Park Clinic on 0114 2582550.
Health Insurance Schemes
Annette is a fully registered member of the British Acupuncture Council. The Acupuncture you receive is recognised by many Health Schemes, such as Westfield and HSA.
|
