What is Traditional Acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the longest established healthcare systems in the world - the diagnostic and treatment techniques have developed over thousands of years!
TCM continues to be a staple part of the health service in China.
In the West, TCM and Acupuncture is growing in popularity as people seek new ways to heal their bodies naturally.
Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body which triggers the body’s self-healing ability, thus promoting physical and emotional wellbeing.
What Does it Treat?
Acupuncture can help a wide range of conditions including: infertility, pain, headaches, hay-fever, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sleep issues and low energy - to name a few.
It works effectively as a stand-alone treatment or alongside western treatments such as physiotherapy or drug therapies.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) compiled a list of conditions for which acupuncture has been proven as an effective treatment. Some of these include:
Pain: oestoarthritis, headaches, lower back, knee, neck, menstruation, arthritis of shoulder, post-operative pain, sciatica, sprains.
Pregnancy: morning sickness, labour induction, malposition of foetus.
Other: side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, depression, hay fever, high and low blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke.
Acupuncture is also proven to have therapeutic effects on many more conditions which are not listed above.
Feel free to give me a call or email me and we can discuss how acupuncture can help your individual circumstances.
07591932061 : Nicola@theacupunctureclinic.co.uk
The Benefits
Acupuncture is a safe and natural treatment.
Patients often find that they come for a treatment for something and they get other benefits such as sleeping better or more energy.
It is a holistic treatment, so to reach a diagnosis I look all the symptoms a person is experiencing alongside the primary concern.
The Evidence
There is a growing body of evidence based scientific research documenting the benefits of acupuncture.
You can take a look here at Evidence Based Acupuncture.
Acupuncture may also help many other conditions so please contact Nicola to discuss how it may be able to help you.
Call, or send an email or whatsapp with a summary of what you’d like help with and she’ll arrange a time to discuss your acupuncture needs, answer any questions and book an appointment.
Nicola Allen 07591 932061
nicola@theacupunctureclinic.co.uk
What to Expect
The first consultation:
The first treatment lasts around 1-1.5hours. It involves an in-depth discussion about you and your health; physical, emotional, spiritual and your medical history.
I’ll examine your tongue and take your pulse on both wrists. These are important diagnostic tools in traditional acupuncture.
We will discuss your treatment plan and you can ask questions and decide if you are happy for the treatment to go ahead.
For physical or muscular injuries, a brief physical examination may be required and palpation of the acupuncture points will be used to decide on which points are clinically required.
The treatment involves inserting extremely fine needles into the body at specific points for your condition. They are left in for 15-20 minutes while you relax.
Other techniques are sometimes used, including: Moxa – a Chinese herb put on the needle which burns to stimulate the area; Acupressure; Massage; Cupping.
Some clothing must be removed for the treatment, keeping underwear on. You will be given privacy to undress and towels to cover your body. As area is treated the towels may need to be moved slightly but will always retain your modesty.
You are welcome to bring someone into the treatment room with you.
Subsequent treatments
Last around an hour
We have a chat about your progress and then move on to treatment.
About Me
Nicola Allen
The human body and its ability to heal is amazing and I’ve always been intrigued by how it works - particularly the muscles and the brain.
I studied sciences, physical education, and business, and my first career was in brand management.
After 12 years in corporates, I decided to change direction towards an area I felt more passionate about. So I re-trained and now have a degree in Acupuncture work to help people to feel better and heal naturally.
My family and I moved to the Leicester in July 2021, prior to this I had a busy acupuncture clinic at the World Trade Center in Amsterdam.
My goal is simple: to help my patients feel better and happier.
Education
BSc Acupuncture
VTCT Massage
Treatments offered
Traditional Acupuncture
Acupressure
Cupping
Moxa
Auricular Acupuncture
My areas of interest
I am a general practitioner, but I particularly enjoy helping with:
Pregnancy and Fertility (excluding IVF at the moment)
Pain; backs, necks, shoulders, knees, headaches etc.
Women’s wellbeing – menstruation, menopause, and digestion.
Stress, energy and sleep
Registered Practitioners
It is important to check that your acupuncturist is competent and safe. Acupuncture in the UK is not regulated by government, but is self regulated via certain governing bodies who ensure that their members are trained to high standard and participate in continued professional development.
I am a member of the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians. (AAC)
AAC registered practitioners offer you the following assurances:
High level training in traditional acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and western biomedical sciences including anatomy, physiology and pathology.
Diploma Western Medicine.
Registered with the health insurance companies if you have cover.
Full medical malpractice and public liability insurance cover
Expert practice skills maintained by following an individual programme of continuing professional development (CPD)
Trained in First Aid
Other associations who offer similar assurances for registered acupuncturist include:
The British Acupuncture Council BAcC