Sheffield1Acupuncture FAQ
Delivering Excellence in Complementary Therapies.
Where does Acupuncture come from?
Acupuncture – Tracing Its Origins & Development.
Acupuncture is a 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 disease.
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 and the practice of acupuncture began to grow.
Members of the British Acupuncture Council are now tightly regulated and acupuncture 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.
Some people feel a little light headed and tired following treatment. You may also experience some minor bruising. These responses however, are short lived.
Does Acupuncture hurt? 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:
1. The Stimulation of Nerve Fibres
2. The Release of Neurotransmitters and Hormones, including pain relieving Endorphins
3. Influencing electrical charge within the body
Who has acupuncture?
Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or to relieve specific pains like osteoarthritis of the knee. Some use acupuncture because they feel generally unwell but have no obvious diagnosis. Others choose acupuncture simply to enhance their feeling of wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies and children. It can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine.
What can it do for me?
Some people turn to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or condition. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain good health, as a preventive measure, or simply to improve their general sense of wellbeing. Because traditional acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation, it can be effective for a range of conditions.
Remember that acupuncturists treat the person, not just the condition which they have, so each patient’s treatment plan will be different. However, you can always ask your practitioner about other patients’ experiences, to give you an idea of what to expect. Many people return to acupuncture again and again because they find it so beneficial and relaxing.
In 2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended that acupuncture should be made available on the NHS, as a cost-effective short-term treatment for the management of early, persistent non-specific lower back pain.
You can get more information on current scientific research into the effectiveness of acupuncture by visiting www.acupuncture.org.uk
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.
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 would be recommended. Occasionally one or two treatments are enough. However, more chronic conditions may require longer term treatments.
The number of sessions will be discussed at your consultation.
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 Lucas
MBAaC, P.G.Dip.Ac, Dip AcM, MRSS(T)
Registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (www.acupuncture.org.uk)
Registered with Shiatsu Society UK (www.shiatsusociety.org)
Member of Nurture Sheffield (Formerly-Sheffield Pregnancy Clinic) (www.nurturesheffield.co.uk)
Member of Association of Community Acupuncture and Multibed Clinics (www.acmac.net)
Member of Acupuncture for Childbirth Team (www.actyorkshire.org.uk)
Locum Supervisor at Northern College of Acupuncture (www.chinese-medicine.co.uk
Therapist at Cavendish Cancer Care(www.cavcare.org.uk) and Cancer Support Centre (www.cancersupportcentre.co.uk).
Annette began her journey into Complementary Medicine nearly 20 years 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 12 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 is particularly interested in working with individuals who have issues with infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy. She is one of the first members of Nurture Sheffield (www.nurturesheffield.co.uk) and member of ACT Yorkshire.
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.
More recently Annette has started working within Oncology settings; providing Complementary therapies to anyone affected by a Cancer diagnosis. The therapies are offered on an integrated basis with Western Medicine practitioners; both in hospitals and centre-based settings. If you are someone who has been affected by your's or a family/friend's cancer diagnosis, you may want to contact Cavendish Cancer Care and/or Cancer Support Centre first, as they can provide a comprehensive and holistic range of therapies for no charge.
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 in 2001 as a practitioner www.northernschoolofshiatsu.co.uk
Annette co-manages 4 Good Health, offering both private or low cost treatments. Her experience and knowledge of bodywork therapies is naturally integrated into her acupuncture sessions enabling best possible clinical outcome. Annette has trained to post graduate 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, Shiatsu or Massage session.
Health Insurance Schemes. Annette is a fully registered member of the British Acupuncture Council www.acupuncture.org.uk The Acupuncture you receive is recognised by many Health Schemes, such as Westfield and Simply Health.
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