When people try acupuncture for the first time, they're typically surprised by the fact it doesn't hurt as the needles are hair fine.

Many people report that the process is either energizing or immensely relaxing. They often feel a sense of bliss and can even fall asleep due to the intense feelings of calm!

Traditional acupuncture offers a very positive model of good health and looks at pain and illness as signs that the body is out of balance. The overall aim is to restore the body's equilibrium. What makes this system so uniquely suited to modern life is that the physical, emotional and mental are seen as interdependent and reflect what many people perceive as the connection between the different aspects their lives.

The treatment focus is on the individual and all symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Each patient is unique.

If you would like more advice on using acupuncture for specific conditions such as pain relief, fertility, IBS, stress, anxiety, depression, migraine and menopause, please visit the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) website for a series of free fact sheets.

The World Health Organisation has published a list of illnesses where acupuncture can be helpful and their results are backed by clinical trials. Have a look at the 2003: ‘Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials’ here.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Yet throughout its history it has continually developed in response to changing clinical conditions. This process continues today with the development of modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is based on the concepts of fundamental balance and harmony. Clinical strategies are based upon diagnosis of signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance and prescriptions are tailored to addressing the ways in which a person's vitality may be depleted or blocked.

Because of its systematic approach it has for centuries had a very great influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East, and more recently has grown rapidly in popularity in the West. It still forms a major part of healthcare provision in China and is provided in state hospitals alongside western medicine.

Preliminary evidence suggests that Chinese Herbal Medicine is a useful treatment for a wide variety of disorders.

Do call Louise to talk through your concerns and see what the Jade Centre can do for you.

Visit the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine website:

http://www.rchm.co.uk/