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York Natural Health is a centre of excellence for acupuncture care. What makes our clinic different is that practitioners are trained in different acupuncture methods, and they work collaboratively to provide the best care possible. We offer two types of acupuncture at York Natural Health, private consultations or Gateway to Acupuncture- where more affordable acupuncture care is offered (£20 per treatment). At Gateway to Acupuncture the treatment is provided in a communal multibed setting - with screens offering privacy.
Our practitioners are Alex Lochhead and Sylvia Schroer –link http://www.gatewaytoacupuncture.co.uk/16/Gateway-Founder-Practitioner---Sylvia-Schroer.html. Both are highly trained professionals and offer a range of different approaches including TCM, Five Element acupuncture, and Japanese methods including Toyohari acupuncture, which is ideal for people that are wary of needles as this method uses non-insertion needle techniques.
About acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in China and other far eastern cultures where it still features in mainstream healthcare, both as a stand-alone therapy and in combination with conventional western medicine. The focus of Acupuncture is on balancing and harmonising the flow of 'qi' in the 'meridians' to optimise health and wellbeing.
What conditions can acupuncture help?
In terms of research, The World Health Organisation covers more than 50 health conditions whilst the British Acupuncture Council offers fact sheets on numerous conditions including chronic pain; IBS; digestive complaints; depression; anxiety; infertility and gynecological problems.
NICE guidelines recommend acupuncture for treating back pain.
Whatever your problem it is worth considering acupuncture - you can feel reassured by the fact that this treatment has a 2500 year history of development and it is widely accepted all over the world.
Who has acupuncture?
Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or pain, whilst others may come because they feel generally unwell but have no obvious diagnosis. Some people use 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.
Research has shown that most patients who come to use acupuncture in the UK have already tried conventional medicine for the same condition (Thomas and Coleman 2004), suggesting they still feel in need of help. We welcome such patients - especially skeptics!
People who receive acupuncture say it makes them feel more calm, relaxed and energised. People also use acupuncture to help manage chronic health problems and prevent illness recurrences. In fact there is now molecular proof that acupuncture can help with stress reduction and can offer protective benefits against it (Eshkevari et al, 2011).
Our patients say:
“I am a keen walker and my problem was …………….* and ……………* I came to the clinic and after 3 treatments there was a marked improvement. To be honest I was quite surprised and impressed. The treatment was not in the least bit painful and I would definitely recommend it” HL female patient age 71
“I came because I was curious having seen an article in the newspaper. I hoped acupuncture might help with a ………….* I have had for more than 50 years and help my general health. I was rather surprised the treatment was not at all painful. The clinic has a lovely atmosphere and I fell well looked after. I really do feel my.. ……….*has improved.” DL male patient age 78
*advertising guidelines do not allow mention of specific health problems in testimonials
What happens when I go for treatment?
Private consultations are better for individuals who feel in need of a space to be listened to whilst the multibed clinic is a more affordable treatment option. Whatever type of treatment you choose, on your first visit the practitioner will spend a bit longer taking a full case history. On every visit you will always receive a full traditional Chinese medical diagnosis, which includes:
- Taking a medical history and noting any changes from previous treatments
- Examination of your physical condition
- Reading pulses on both wrists, looking at your tongue
Following diagnosis treatment begins, with the practitioner monitoring and checking to see if there are improvements beginning to show, usually by checking the pulse. The frequency and duration of treatment is something that you will decide on, together with your practitioner, once you have seen how the therapy works for you. Usually treatment is weekly for a few weeks and spaced out as your health improves.
Single-use sterile needles are always used, these come in sealed packs that are opened during the treatment session and disposed of safely after use.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests. When the needle is inserted you may feel a tingling sensation or a dull ache but the treatment is quite acceptable. For those wary of needles Sylvia Schroer is trained in Japanese non-insertion needling methods, where the treatment experience is very relaxing and there is no pain. Sylvia is also trained in a specific type of children's acupuncture called Shonishin that does not use needles.
Is it safe?
Research, including two independent surveys published in the British Medical Journal has suggested that Acupuncture has an excellent safety record.
Practitioners at York Natural Health are experienced professionals, registered with relevant professional governing bodies - The British Acupuncture Council and The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Should my Doctor know?
It is up to you whether you inform your doctor you are receiving acupuncture. In order to promote better working relationships between the York Natural health acupuncture service and the NHS, you will qualify for a 10% discount if your Doctor, Physiotherapist or NHS care provider refers you for treatment. Please see downloadable form below or call in at York Natural Health to pick up a printed form.
 
*Come into the clinic for your GP referral form or download here
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