Below is a list of conditions that I frequently treat, and which are also suitable for treatment with acupuncture and/or homeopathy. On the acupuncture and homeopathy pages of my website, you will find weblinks to research and articles on some of the conditions.

 

Migraine

Eczema and other skin diseases

Hayfever and other allergic condtions

Respiratory conditions

Recurrent ear, nose and throat infections

Stress related disorders, anxiety and depression

Rheumatism & arthritis

Menstrual disorders and menopause

Digestive illness such as IBS

Muscular and skeletal problems, back pain, and sports injuries. Conditions include sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, neck strain

ME

Insomnia

Certain addictions

Conditions of pregnancy such as sciatica, morning sickness and breech baby

Support during IVF treatment and other infertility treatment

Below are some more details on treatment of stress and anxiety and depression, and skeletal and muscular conditions.

Sress, Anxiety and Depression

 
I have treated a large number of people in various degrees of mental distress, including individuals who are overwhelmed by excessively busy lives, as well as those suffering from general anxieties and mild-to-moderate depression.

Acupuncture has a reasonable track record in the treatment of these conditions, and I have found that most people benefit from an improved sense of well-being and calmness, and are generally better able to cope with life.
 

The effects of acupuncture are not like those of a drug, or an alcoholic drink. People are more likely to describe a mental shift in the way they perceive and respond to events and circumstances. Issues that were previously bothersome, become less significant.


I have found that the beneficial effects last two to four days after the first treatment, and that treatments need topping up at roughly weekly intervals for a few weeks until the patterns of thought become less entrenched. Those suffering from mild-to-moderate depression are likely to need treatment for longer. I have treated patients with depression who have been able to reduce their medication to some degree, very gradually, in conjunction with their GPs.

 
Other benefits often arrive with treatment, in the form of improved sleep and therefore increased energy.
 
I generally suggest trying treatment for three to four sessions and then reviewing progress. I will always increase intervals between treatments where this is beneficial to the patient.


What to expect from treatment

 
With this type of treatment, I will generally use acupuncture needles and homeopathy. Many of the people who have come to see me have benefited from discussion of issues, where they have felt comfortable to do so. There is some time to talk, should you wish to, within each appointment and while the needles are doing their work.

 
Many of my patients very much enjoy the feeling of calmness and relaxation that often comes during and very shortly after treatment.



Here are two links to some articles on this type of condition:

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/4741658.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1574953.stm

Muscular and skeletal conditions

Acupuncture has a good record of helping to treat and manage muscular and skeletal conditions including:
 
Lower back pain

Sciatica

Shoulder tension and injuries

Neck tension and injuries

Arthritic conditions including knees, hands and fingers

Tennis and golfer’s elbow

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Sprain and strains


Here are some links to research documents and other information where you can read more about acupuncture and these types of conditions.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7011738.stm

 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5345774.stm


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4493011.stm


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4111047.stm


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/545019.stm


What to expect from treatment for this type of condition

I have treated a large number of individuals with muscular and skeletal problems. I have found the majority of people respond favourably following treatment with acupuncture and many people will leave the treatment feeling immediate relief. However the condition invariably becomes more challenging to treat in older people over 75, especially if they have had the condition for a long time.

Long-term chronic conditions will often improve with treatment, although it may become a question of management of the condition rather than complete cure, depending on the individual problem.

I normally suggest trying treatment for three to four sessions at approximately weekly intervals and then reviewing progress. I always try to stretch out the intervals between treatments where this is beneficial to the patient.

I cannot guarantee results unfortunately, but I do my very best to achieve positive results. To this end, when you come along for an appointment, I will normally apply more than acupuncture and a session may include some of the following:


Tuina (Chinese massage)

I am likely to use some short, light massage before I use acupuncture in many conditions.

Electro-acupuncture

This is a painless current that is passed through the needles and is often very helpful in pain relief. I rarely use this on the first treatment. Some of you will have come across TENS machines, and this treatment is similar, except more effective through the needles I insert, rather than TENS pads. 

Heat treatment

I use an infrared heat lamp, plus topical herbs to help absorb the heat. Please note that heat treatment is only available at my home clinic in Busbridge, Godalming, as the equipment is not portable. Most patients thoroughly enjoy the sensation of the heat on the affected area and it can help relieve tension and improve blood circulation.

Cupping

This is an effective and painless type of massage using cups that ‘pull’, rather than ‘push’, as in standard massage. They are helpful in pain relief, and help to increase movement and circulation in the effected area. I often use cups at the end of a session but have sometimes used them where a patient is nervous of needles. They can be very effective in producing positive results on their own.

Exercises

Where appropriate, I will suggest a small number of stretching exercises that may help you manage the condition at home. Many conditions can be effectively supported by a routine of daily short stretches.

 

© Godalming Acupuncture and Homeopathy, Godalming, Surrey 2006