Five Element Acupuncture
a simple, elegant way to transform your health and emotional wellbeing
Chat: 07791464831 Email: info@theavenueacupuncture.co.uk
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing in Chinese medicine that has been practiced for over 3,000 years. According to traditional Chinese medicine, good health is dependent on Qi or vital energy moving through the body along lines called channels. An indication that Qi is out of balance or blocked is shown by symptoms of pain, illness or other physical and emotional signs. Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that focuses on the whole person, aiming to stimulate the body’s own ability to heal and therefore restore balance physically and emotionally.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points on the channels. We use needles to connect with the body’s Qi, to direct the flow of energy, which triggers the body’s own healing response.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very fine, most people feel no pain or very little pain when they are inserted. You may experience a strange sensation or tingling, which indicates the needle is connecting to the Qi within the chosen point. It is a very relaxing experience, and most people feel very energised after their treatments. Needles may be inserted and removed immediately or left in for a pain for the body to undertake the treatment.
How often should I attend?
Normally people will have a course of treatment to enable the body to become accustomed to the treatment and to clear the presenting symptoms. This is usually weekly for five or six treatments, reducing as your body responds and the symptoms lessen. Once the issue has been addressed many patients stay on for ‘top up’ treatments to ensure their body remains healthy and able to respond to life challenges.
For more information watch this video below provided by the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC):
What is moxa?
Moxa is a herb (mugwort) that is an essential part of Chinese medicine which is used to warm and nourish the body, acupuncture points, energising Qi and Blood. I use it frequently within my clinic. The moxa is placed either directly onto the skin or on the end of needles during treatment. The moxa is then lit and allowed to slowly smoulder, enabling a therapeutic heat to permeate into the body and improve the flow of Qi and Blood in the area being treated. The patient feels a wonderfully relaxing, warm sensation, it is a very soothing part of my treatments.
What is Five Element (5EA) Acupuncture?
Five Element Acupuncture (5EA), also referred to as Wu Xing or the Five Phases has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. This theory teaches us that there are five energy styles of human nature, these influence who are and how we experience life. We have all five elements within us, but one element will be our dominant energy type which determines our natural physical and our emotional wellbeing throughout our life.
Acupuncturists who are trained in 5EA use this system to diagnose what may be happening in terms of imbalances or ill health and treat the person on a holistic level in accordance with their elemental energies. It is an effective and unique system of medicine that diagnoses and treats the causes of disease. 5EA treats the root cause of the issue, which often will mean that other symptoms which may not seem connected will also resolve, enabling a holistic return to balance and health for patients.
Conditions and Benefits
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) advises that many people seek acupuncture to help relieve specific conditions especially pain conditions such as tension type headaches, migraines, neck, shoulder or back pain, osteoarthrosis of the knee and temporomandibular joint pain.
However, as this system of medicine is a holistic approach you may also find that it positively affects your whole body and not just the symptoms you present with. Many people choose acupuncture when their whole body feels out of balance, they are experiencing sleep and emotional difficulties but do not have any obvious diagnosis.
For some conditions, such as migraine, acupuncture can be given to prevent flare-ups from occurring. Another benefit of acupuncture is that it can be given alongside other therapies and/ or medication, in almost all circumstances. This is particularly useful for those undertaking programmes of treatment such as chemo or radio therapy.
Is acupuncture available on the NHS?
Despite acupuncture being included in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of headaches in over 12’s and for chronic pain, it is not commonly available on the NHS. For those NHS setting who do offer acupuncture, its availability can be quite limited. Some GP practices offer integrated healthcare that includes acupuncture, but sadly this is not yet commonplace.
Evidence of the effect of acupuncture?
In the last 10 years there has been some significant research studies undertaken which evidence the efficacy of acupuncture, in particular for chronic pain conditions. Based on this evidence, in 2017, the National Institute for Health and Research issued a summary of recently published research that evidences acupuncture was effective for some chronic pain and was not a placebo. However, for many conditions there are simply not enough good quality clinical trials for researchers to draw firm conclusions.
Research fact sheets have been produced by The British Acupuncture Council in order to provide accurate and unbiased information for a variety of conditions. They provide summaries of research and how acupuncture may be beneficial.
Fact sheets are available on:
Please visit the BAcC website www.acupuncture.org.uk to access these fact sheets.
Acupuncture Safety
Acupuncture performed by a qualified practitioner is generally very safe. Some individuals may experience mild, short term side effects such as: slight pain on insertion of the needles, bleeding or bruising where the needle punctures the skin.
The BAcC has a membership of approximately 3,000 members all who are professionally qualified, and it is the largest professional self-regulated body for the practice of traditional acupuncture. The BAcC is committed to ensuring all patients receive the highest standard of professional care. It has its own Professional Code of Conduct and Code of Safe Practice. All members are bound by these.
In 2001 the British Medical Journal published an article on the study of acupuncture safety, surveying 34,000 treatments and found that no serious adverse events were reported. 95% confidence with an underlying serious adverse event rate of 0 and 1.1 per 10,000 treatments.
For further information please visit:
The British Acupuncture Council at https://www.acupuncture.org.uk
About Claire
Welcome to The Avenue Acupuncture and thank you for joining me. I am excited to have the opportunity to support you on your healing journey.
I decided to study and practice in acupuncture following on from directly experiencing the benefits of this medical approach on a physical but also emotional level. I have a varied background in social and health care services. In 2021 I moved to Worcester to set up an affordable, accessible clinic in the lovely peaceful location of St John’s.
I studied Five Element acupuncture at The Acupuncture Academy in Leamington Spa, and was awarded a distinction in the Professional Licentiate, a three-year degree level qualification accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board. I also received a Commendation in my clinical practice skills.
I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and adhere to the Council’s Codes of Safe Practice and Professional conduct. BAcC members are also registered with the Professional Standards Authority which is a government body set up to regulate health and social care providers and is accountable to Parliament.
To book an appointment, or to ask me a question, please either me call on 07791464831, or email me info@theavenueacupuncture.co.uk
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Worcester Clinic
Services Offered
In addition to Five Element acupuncture, I also practice the following Chinese medical modalities:
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture focuses entirely on treating the whole body through points within your ear. It is commonly used to help treat conditions such as PTSD, addictions and substance misuse. A study in 2017 researched the use of a treatment protocol known as NADA in the treatment of substance abuse. The study looked at 100 people in treatment programs who received ear acupuncture. The study showed that those who had at least 2 session of twice weekly auricular acupuncture reported improved quality of life, increased energy and less alcohol use after 3 and 6 months.
Ear acupuncture is used for a wide variety of symptoms including digestion, mental wellbeing, pain and sleep issues. I may use auricular acupuncture as part of a treatment, or I may place little plasters containing small seeds on your ears at the end of the treatment to help you stimulate certain points after the treatment.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient form of treatment which help stimulate the flow of Qi in the body, enabling balance to be restored, improve and stimulate blood circulation and aims to relieve muscle tension and pain. It involves the use of suction cups which are placed on the area being treated. Cupping may help a number of conditions including:
- Lower back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Headache and migraine
- Knee pain
You will feel a sucking sensation and some pressure. The cups may be left in place, or they may be moved around to stimulate circulation and movement in the area. I practise dry cupping.
You should not feel pain with this treatment, but due to the nature of the treatment, you may be left with some red marks where the skin has been treated with suction. These marks usually go within a few days.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a therapy which involves the scraping of your skin with a massage tool to stimulate circulation or to treat areas of muscle pain or tenderness. I use a special tool to scrape along your skin to stimulate the microcirculation of the soft tissue which increases the blood flow. It is a wonderfully relaxing treatment which is excellent in the treatment of muscle tension, pain and inflammation. This can be applied all over the body including neck and face. I will apply a small amount of pressure, directed by you which ensures you are in control of the treatment.
As this treatment involves the scraping of the skin, it does result in the area appearing red due to the blood vessels being stimulated. This redness is only temporary and does settle easily. It is a very relaxing and calming treatment.
Tui Na
This is a form of hands-on Chinese medicine which shares its history and medical theory with acupuncture. It is a deep tissue massage where I may knead, brush, roll, press or rub key areas around the body. Tui na stimulates the flow of the body’s vital energy system, moving any blockages which may have developed within the channels. It is commonly used to help treat chronic pain particularly associated with the musculoskeletal system in particular the neck, shoulders and back. The treatment is provided fully clothed and is extremely relaxing yet energising.
Appointments, Booking & Prices
Your initial visit will take up to two hours where I will undertake a detailed personal and medical consultation covering your family history, lifestyle, systems functions (eg. sleep, appetite). Here we will discuss the full details of your current complaint/s and any test or investigations that you have had. You will also have the opportunity to discuss in complete confidence any concerns or troubles you may currently be dealing with.
After your consultation I will carry out a number of short non-invasive physical diagnostic tests including blood pressure, temperature distribution and pulse taking. In most cases, aside from the most complex, this is then followed by your first treatment. Subsequent appointments take from 45 mins to one hour and include discussion of your progress and your treatment to date.
Health Insurance
Many private Health Insurance companies now provide cover for acupuncture treatments by members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I do have to charge for cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Worcester Clinic
30 The Avenue, Bromwich Road, WR2 4AN
Monday and Friday 10.00 – 19.00
Tuesday and Thursday 09.00am – 19.00
Saturday – Contact me directly if a weekend appointment is needed
Prices
Acupuncture Treatment – First Consultation (£75 – 2 hours)
Follow on Treatment – £50 (45-60 mins)
I am committed to ensuring acupuncture is available for all. If you are financially struggling, I am happy to discuss further more affordable options.
Testimonials
Contact
If you would like any further information or would like to discuss whether you feel acupuncture may be right for you, please call Claire on 07791464831 or email info@theavenueacupuncture.co.uk
As I am most likely to be treating, please allow me 24 hours to get back to you.
