What is Chinese Medicine?
Conditions that can be treated with Chinese medicine
Your Appointment
Cost of treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine is a holistic system of medicine which originated in China over 2000 years ago and comprises acupuncture, herbal medicine and massage.
According to Chinese Medicine, good health is dependent on the healthy functioning of the body’s organs and the free-flow of energy.
This energy, known as Qi, moves along a series of pathways under the skin and can be disturbed by various factors, including overwork, our emotional state, poor nutrition and physical trauma. When the Qi becomes blocked ill-health results, which can range from mild, barely perceptible symptoms to chronic, intractable conditions.
Acupuncturists aim to regulate the flow of energy by inserting fine needles into specific points on these energy pathways. As a result, a patient’s overall sense of well-being often improves, as well as the specific symptoms for which they sought treatment.
Acupuncture aims to regulate the flow of energy by inserting fine needles into specific points on these energy pathways and, when appropriate, this effect can be enhanced by herbal medicine which reestablishes balance to the body. As a result, a patient’s overall sense of well-being often improves, as well as the specific symptoms for which they sought treatment.
Further information on the history and theory of Chinese Medicine is available from the British Acupuncture Council’s website. |
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- Conditions that can be treated with Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine is an appropriate treatment for all ages (we have treated people from the age of 9 to 90) and can be used to treat a variety of conditions. Our experience is that Chinese Medicine is particularly effective for the following:
- Gynaecological conditions, such as Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, painful, irregular or heavy periods and pre-menstrual tension (PMT );
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Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, anxiety and fatigue;
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Post-natal care and certain problems during pregnancy, such as morning sickness, breech presentation, back pain and symphysis pubis dysfunction (during pregnancy we only use acupuncture and do not prescribe herbal remedies);
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Male and female infertility and in supporting IVF, IUI and ICSI treatment;
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Back pain, osteoarthritis and sciatica;
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Management of autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromylagia and polymyalgia rheumatica;
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Respiratory conditions, including asthma, hayfever and sinusitis
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Migraine and tension headaches
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Stress
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Gastro-intestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation
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Emotional issues and anxiety;
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The sequelae of stroke, such as hemiplegia and altered motor and sensory skills; and
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Insomnia
Please contact us with any questions you have about treatment.
Further information about research on Chinese medicine can be found on the Acupuncture Research Resource Centre website and the website of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine. |
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Your Appointment
We recommend that you do not eat a heavy meal just before your appointment and avoid food and drink which will leave a coloured coating on your tongue. Please wear comfortable loose fitting clothes with sleeves and trouser legs that can be rolled up easily and make a note of any prescribed or over the counter medication, vitamins or natural remedies that you are taking and bring these details to the appointment.
The first appointment normally takes one hour. During this time we take a full case history, which covers the details of the specific condition for which you are seeking treatment, as well as building a picture of your general health and well-being. We also feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength and look at the colour and coating of your tongue to help us form a diagnosis.
Based on this diagnosis we gently insert fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to regulate the flow of energy. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or heavy feeling which induces a feeling of calm and relaxation. In certain cases we may also use moxibustion to facilitate treatment. This involves the burning of a herb ("moxa") on, or near the surface of the skin to stimulate the flow of energy.
Some people experience an improvement soon after treatment; while for others the effects are more subtle. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours after the treatment.
Follow-up sessions also last an hour and we continue to assess your progress at regular intervals during your course of treatment. |
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Cost of treatment
| First treatment |
£45 |
| Follow up treatments |
£40 |
| Pre-prepared Chinese herbal remedies |
£15-£45 |
Payment is accepted only by cash or cheque. Please give 24 hours notice by telephone if you are unable to attend an appointment, otherwise we reserve the right to charge the full cost of treatment. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is acupuncture safe? Your practitioner at Harmony and Balance, Olivia Shaw, is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and observes a strict code of practice on hygiene and safety standards
2. Will acupuncture hurt? Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to these. They are much finer, and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or heavy feeling which induces a feeling of calm and relaxation.
3. Should I tell my doctor I am having acupuncture treatment? If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then you should tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. You should always tell your practitioner about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
4. How many treatments will I need and how often? This depends on each individual case. Generally, it varies between patients and will depend on the nature of the condition being treated. The number and frequency of treatments will be discussed fully at the first consultation. You should notice some improvement after 4-6 treatments.
5. Are Chinese Herbs safe? Olivia Shaw only prescribes pre-prepared Chinese herbal remedies from suppliers approved by the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (www.rchm.org.uk). These come in the form of easy to take tablets and pills and do not involve any boiling or decocting of raw herbs. All the herbs prescribed comply with strict standards on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and do not include any animal products or endangered species. Adverse reactions can occur with any form of medicine, but these are extremely rare and we always provide you with clear instructions about how to take your medicine.
6. I don’t want to take herbs. Is it possible to only have acupuncture treatment? Yes. We only prescribe pre-prepared herbal remedies where we feel it is particularly appropriate and after discussing your treatment with you fully. Acupuncture is a very powerful therapeutic intervention in its own right, but we do offer you the option of herbal treatment where we feel pre-prepared formulas will enhance the effects of treatment and ensure that you get the best results as quickly as possible.
If you have any other questions then please do not hesitate to contact us.
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