Acupuncture

Which means that there is hope for the person who doesn't have anything medically "wrong" with them, and yet who doesn't feel "well".  It could be that they just feel flat, or don't have enough energy to make the effort to do the things that they would like to be doing, or perhaps they always feel as though there's something missing in their life, but they don't know what it is.  At some level within that person they are experiencing a degree of disharmony which is preventing them from achieving their full potential and experiencing joy and fulfilment.  Acupuncture treatment is very helpful in such circumstances.

It is also an effective form of preventative medicine.  Many people who are in good health, choose to come for a seasonal "tune-up" to help them to stay well, and to make the adjustment from one season to the next.

What to expect if you come for treatment?

Each practitioner has their individual way of working, so I shall just describe how I usually work.

The treatment itself consists of needling a selection or combination of acupoints.  The number of points used in a session can vary from one or two to several.  Depending on the nature of the symptoms needles are either inserted and immediately withdrawn, or left in place to carry on working for up to about 20 minutes.

The needles I use are very fine indeed, and are not inserted to any great depth.  Everyone wants to know whether acupuncture hurts!  Well, needle insertion itself is usually quite painless, but when the needle reaches its target, i.e. the acupuncture point, most people feel quite a strong sensation ranging from a tingle, to an ache, to a mild electrical charge.

Some people are concerned about the risk of disease transmission via acupuncture needles.  I only use pre-sterilized, single-use disposable needles.  As a member of  The British Acupuncture Council I am fully aware of and obliged to conform to the strictest safety and hygiene procedures.

As well as needles, I use moxibustion to treat some conditions.  This is a means of applying warmth.  It involves the use of moxa, a herb, which when lit smoulders very slowly.  This comes either ready rolled, as a stick which can be held over the area needing warmth, or in loose form which is rolled into cones and placed either directly on the skin, or on the handle of a needle.  Most people find moxibustion quite soothing and the moxa is always removed before the heat becomes uncomfortable.
  Generally the first consultation lasts 1 1/2 - 2 hours.  This includes a treatment and allows me plenty of time to collect the information necessary to give me an understanding of the client's history and problem(s), and to make a well-informed diagnosis.  For subsequent treatments I schedule an hour per session.  This is longer than many people need, but it does mean that neither I nor the client feels rushed.  Often a client will want to talk about what's been going on and how they're feeling, and generally get a few things off their chest in a non-judgemental and confidential setting.

Charges are as follows:

Initial consultation: £75

Subsequent sessions: £40

N.B  I charge in full for missed appointments or where less than 24 hours notice of cancellation is given.


Concessions are available.  I absolutely do not wish to discriminate against the genuinely poor.  But if you are thinking of trying to get the price down simply because you have other priorities, please do consider the fact that a sizeable percentage of the fee is swallowed up by insurance, membership of professional and regulatory association, cost of premises, supplies, post-graduate training, supervision etc,  as well as the fact that there is a lot of time spent on preparation and admin, on top of the time spent in the treatment room.

Sue Pennington LicAc MBAcC

Tel: 01865 776759

suepennington@yahoo.com

www.suepennington.com

Acupuncture, Massage, Yoga and Shamanic Work.

(also Mentoring/Supervision for other practitioners).