In recent years acupuncture has become recognized in the West for its ability to address chronic and debilitating conditions, in addition to the treatment of pain. Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms. The main principle of Traditional Acupuncture is the treatment of the whole person and the condition. This is achi
eved by balancing their vital energy—known as Qi—which enables the body, mind and spirit to function in harmony and achieve health and well-being. This helps symptoms and any underlying imbalance, which may be contributing to the disease. In this way, symptoms can be alleviated and the cause of the problem identified and helped, leading to a more permanent improvement than treatment of the symptoms alone. Symptoms are distress signals that indicate that the energy is out of balance. Traditional Acupuncture addresses them by treating the underlying cause of the problem. I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) having completed a three year degree course at the College of Traditional Acupuncture in Royal Leamington Spa. The BAcC maintains standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. Through this I am covered by Medical Malpractice and Public/Products Liability Insurance. As a member of the BAcC, I observe a Code of Safe Practice, which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and requires the use of sterile, disposable needles. I have always been particularly interested in the treatment of infertility with acupuncture. In fact, this is what first introduced me to acupuncture while undergoing fertility treatment and eventually IVF. I even wrote my dissertation in this subject. Furthermore, I became an affiliated acupuncturist of the Zita West network for reproductive health. All members receive training and ongoing support in Zita West’s comprehensive, holistic approach to achieving optimum reproductive health. This covers a wide range of treatments and approaches to help boost fertility, enhance IVF, improve pregnancy, enhance birth outcomes and support postnatal recovery. I am also one of a few practitioners trained in the specialised technique of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture by Virginia Doran of New York.
