Harmony Acupuncture

Backache

Traditional Chinese Medicine regards the kidneys as the source of qi that is supplied to the entire body, but especially to the muscles of the lower back. As the kidneys and the related muscles of the lower back weaken, the muscles go into spasm. Fine needles will then be placed in the area that is painful along with points distal to the source of the pain. Many patients with lower back pain find that acupuncture treatment will help to break the pain cycle and allow them to reduce pain medications and participate more freely in daily activities. Lower Back pain in Chinese medicine includes any pain, aching, discomfort or weakness in one or both sides of the lower thoracic, lumbar, sacral or buttock areas.

Backaches are common among people and thanks to Chinese Medicine developing in this country people are coming to appreciate the advantages of having such treatment.

"I was suffering from excruciating back pain due to the nature of my work and I decided to try acupuncture, hoping this would bring some pain relief. I found Emma extremely professional and friendly and I was given a thorough consultation before receiving any treatment. I was pleasantly surprised that after a few treatments my pain had alleviated and after another few treatments my back was 90% better than previously. I would definitely recommend acupuncture treatment with Emma, I was very happy with the overall results and would certainly visit Emma's clinic again if the need ever arises." - Pete

"Acupuncture, IVF and me" Elaine

We were about to start our third cycle of IVF treatment when I read a magazine article about a couple that had had acupuncture treatment during their IVF and found it to be very beneficial for stress. So I contacted Emma and booked a consultation. IVF is one of the most stressful periods of anyone's life and while I was under no grand illusions that acupuncture was a miracle treatment I thought it would at least help with my stress levels.

Emma carried out a very thorough first consultation, taking a full medical history and explaining how the treatment would work. The treatment was adjusted throughout the IVF cycle in order to assist the IVF.

Emma was extremely professional throughout and a great support. The acupuncture made me feel more relaxed and able to cope with the IVF treatment throughout its different stages and I would recommend it to anyone. I am now expecting twins in the next couple of months and have seen Emma for further treatment for back pain which has made a huge difference.

I would certainly not hesitate in contacting Emma again for any further treatments for anything that may arise in my life. Thanks for everything Emma!

"My journey to have a baby" Adele

After numerous attempts with Clomid, 3 IUI’s, 2 fresh and one frozen cycle of IVF there were moments when I felt like I’d lost all hope. It was 3 months prior to starting another IVF cycle when I spoke to a friend who suggested I try acupuncture.

I made an appointment with Emma at Harmony Acupuncture. On the first visit, Emma asked lots of questions and gave me a thorough consultation. I then had a 20 minute acupuncture session which I found very relaxing. I began going every week and the sessions were run alongside and adapted to suit my IVF treatment.

When the time came for my egg collection, my eggs were of very good quality and at the time of embryo transfer, 2 of the best quality embryos I’d ever had were transferred. During the 2 week wait, I still visited Emma and found that it really helped with the dreaded wait! Emma was also very supportive and I found it great to be able to talk to somebody about it.

I finally got the news I’d been waiting for, for 5 years and I am currently 12 weeks pregnant. I am still having acupuncture and will continue to go monthly throughout my pregnancy as I find it so relaxing. I must add that I have hardly suffered with morning sickness either. I truly believe that it was the acupuncture which helped me this time and would highly recommend it to anyone. Thanks Emma!

Joint Pain

In traditional Chinese medicine, joint pain or arthritis is called "Bi syndrome."

A condition caused by an obstruction of energy / Qi flow, which manifests as pain, soreness, or numbness of muscles, tendons and joints, swollen and limited movement of joints and is the result of the body being "invaded" by the external factor such as Wind, Cold, Heat, and/or Dampness.

The treatment strategy is to unblock the obstruction in the energy paths to reduce pain, and then strengthen our body to prevent reoccurrence.

Migraine

Migraine is one of the most common neurological conditions in the developed world. Migraine is more than just a headache. It can be a debilitating condition, which has a considerable impact on the quality of life of sufferers and their families. Stress, noise and food are among the triggers, which can initiate the onset of a migraine headache. Migraine "headaches" are much more severe that ordinary headaches, with pain that may be described as "hammering" or "pulsating".

At its onset, sufferers can take painkillers to relieve its effects, but this often only provides short-term relief and in some cases is completely ineffectual. In contrast to treatment with ordinary painkillers, acupuncture provides an effective and powerful method to ease migraines with minimal or no side effects and reduces recurrences.

By stimulating acupuncture points, the body prompts the nervous system to release endorphins (which are chemically related to morphine) and other natural chemicals that relieve pain. The concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine behind the treatment of Migraines is too lengthy to discuss in detail. However the key concepts are to ensure the free flow of Qi (vital energy) through channels in the body that travel up to the head.

While some people may feel immediate comfort from acupuncture, it usually takes four or five treatments to see a significant improvement.

"Acupuncture helped stop my migraines after years of suffering" - Sue

Stress

Physical and emotional stress is a fact of modern life it can affect us everyday and potentially cause serious health issues. It can lead to increased blood pressure, lowered immune system, fatigue, migraines, stomach aches, ulcers and more.

It is important that we all find a way of relaxing and leaving the stresses and strains of the day or weeks behind us. Acupuncture can help clear and calm the mind so that we release our tension which, therefore, regains balance and harmony in our body and mind.

"Stress is something I never thought I would suffer from in my entire life. I've always considered myself to be a strong person and I didn't realise that stress could have that many physical and emotional affects. Thankfully I got help when I needed it and it really helped to calm my nerves and the constant over-thinking of situations, which also helped improve my sleeping pattern. I now feel that I am back in control of my life." - James