Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a therapy that involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin in different parts of the body, either with or without electrical stimulation.  

While it is adapted from Chinese Medicine, Western Medical Practitioners use their current knowledge of the structure and function of the body combined with principles of evidence-based medicine to treat patients.

Single use, disposable acupuncture needles are used and left in place for 20-30 minutes.  They work by stimulating nerves and blood vessels in the skin and muscle and release the body’s natural painkillers which includes endorphins and serotonin. It modifies the way pain signals are received by the brain.

What to expect from your consultation

Before your first appointment, your doctor will ask you to complete a questionnaire either online or when you arrive. A detailed assessment will be made of your condition and a treatment plan will be designed for you using acupuncture but may include lifestyle changes and Lu Jong Yoga to help prolong the benefits of the therapy. Depending on the reason for treatment, 4-6 sessions may be required. However, some musculoskeletal conditions can improve with just one treatment.

You will be offered treatment with Acupuncture at your first appointment if it is clinically applicable.

Conditions for which Acupuncture may be useful

• Migraine and tension headache
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Overactive Bladder
• TMJ disorders
• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Inflammatory Disorders
• Certain Gynaecological conditions

British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS)

I found Medical Acupuncture personally useful for stress when I was doing specialist GP examinations and working full time. It helped greatly with exam anxiety and had a surprisingly beneficial effect on my sleep. I subsequently decided to train in Medical Acupuncture to make it available for patients so that they too could have the benefits. I was fortunate enough to find the British Medical Acupuncture Society who have a western Medical approach and explanation for how Medical Acupuncture works. This was really important to me as it spoke the language I had learnt in my medical education and I could explain the effects of Medical Acupuncture to patients in a language about their bodies that they too were more familiar with, such as muscles, nerves and blood vessels, rather than chi.

The BMAS adopts an evidence based approach to using Acupuncture and bring this into their course which are world class and gold standard. They rate safety very highly and this is emphasized in their training. I worked at their teaching clinic at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for over 2 years before embarking on my own practice. I continue to attend their conferences and contribute to their ongoing training programmes, online webinars and CPD events through attendance and presentation. I also teach on their Foundation Course.

I do have to declare a conflict of interest, in that the Medical Director of the BMAS, Dr Mike Cummings, is my life partner and I am his Lu Jong Yoga teacher. This adds an element of equality to the relationship.

Acupuncture clinics

I currently provide Acupuncture treatment at 3 locations in London – the Light Centre in Moorgate, the Fab Clinic in Hanwell and at 10 Harley Street. You can book online for the Friday morning clinic at Moorgate. I am also available on some afternoons from Monday to Thursday for Acupuncture treatments in Hanwell, Harley Street or Moorgate depending on the availability of a treatment room. Please do contact me directly and I will try my best to accommodate you. The costs of treatments are the same at Moorgate and at the Fab Clinic in Hanwell. Harley street clinic costs vary and are available on request. 

Learning Acupuncture

If you work in healthcare or an allied health profession, I would like to invite you to train in Medical Acupuncture with the BMAS so that you too can confidently provide this treatment to your patients or clients. I teach on the BMAS’s Foundation Course and will be happy to give you more information on the training. 

Mentoring Group

I currently support the BMAS to mentor clinicians to obtain further qualifications the BMAS to help further their knowledge of Acupuncture. This is open to BMAS members and takes place every second Wednesday via the Zoom online meeting platform. Please do contact me if you would like further information on how to access the group.