Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most common and dependable medical therapies used in the world with its origins in China over 3000 years ago. It is by nature simple, safe and effective healthcare, used today by literally millions of people helping them work, rest and play. 

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Acupuncture practitioners use thin, sterile disposable needles inserted superficially into specific areas of the body in order to help the body's ability to heal itself.

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Over the four decades or so in which acupuncture has gained popularity in the west, it has been proven by an increasing body of scientific evidence to be not only exceptionally safe, but statistically effective as well. 

People have acupuncture for all sorts of conditions. It is often described as a reset button for the body, mind and emotions as a whole; clearing obstructions, releasing tension and restoring balance. As well as addressing specific symptoms, acupuncture can offer the "side benefits" of more energy, better mood, a calmer mind and improved sleep.

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Many agencies, such as the World Health Organisation, and NICE (National Institute of Clinic Excellence – UK) specifically recommend acupuncture for a wide range of conditions including, but not limited to; 

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~ Osteoarthritis of the knee ~

~ Chronic neck and lower back pain ~

~ Dental pain ~

~ Migrainse ~

~ Tension headaches ~

~ Nausea and vomiting ~

~ Overactive bladder syndrome ~

~ Stress related issues such as depression, anxiety & PTS ~

~ Fertility and pregnancy support ~

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Please feel free to contact me on annemarie@tasteofspace.co.uk or 07719 531085 for a confidential chat about how acupuncture might help you.

The classical Chinese explanation is that pathways (meridians) of energy (qi) run in regular patterns like rivers flowing throughout the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues, muscles, organs and bones.

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An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. As the popular Chinese saying goes; "no pain, no blockage; no blockage, no pain". 

Health and happiness result from the smooth circulation of this energy believed to distribute blood, O2, lymph, nerve impulses and nourishment throughout the entire body and brain. All sorts of factors such as stress, illness, injury, lifestyle, work, trauma and diet can disrupt our balance and wellbeing by creating tension and stress. When we live in stress mode we restrict circulation resulting in pain, tension and imbalance. 

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Health can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points to unblock obstructions and re-establish balance and regular flow of nourishment to restricted areas of the body. Smooth flow is natural and happens effortlessly if unrestricted.

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Scientifically no one knows exactly how acupuncture works, there's probably not one factor, but many responses that happen simultanesouly and involving different systems meaning acupuncture has wide, strong and lasting effects. One thing we do know is that acupuncture influences the nervous system by easing us out of stress mode (sympathetic) and into calm mode (parasympathetic). The adjustment in energy and biochemical balance is believed to stimulate the body's own natural healing responses while we are still and relaxed, leading to faster recovery.

We start with a discussion about your individual concerns and aims, followed by gentle placement of needles. Once in place, you can relax in a peaceful environment, maybe have a little acu-snooze and enjoy a calming and restorative interval in your day. Follow up sessions involve a catch up followed by a longer treatment.

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Points are often selected away from the location of pain, most often on the arms and legs so there is no need to undress, You can wear loose clothing to make it easier to access points, or there will be blankets and towels available if you need to change.

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As well as the benefits of acupuncture, taking time out and making space in our day is highly beneficial in our noisy modern world to catch our breath, clear the mental clutter and reconnect with ourselves.

Treatment involves the gentle placement of very fine, high quality, single use needles and you often don't feel a thing. Many people experience a slight dull achiness, sense of heaviness or lightness, warmth or tingling. Everyone's experience is unique and it's usually a deeply relaxing and pleasant experience. Needles can be adjusted or removed at any time should you experience any discomfort.

Depending on the nature and duration of your complaint, and factors such as lifestyle, diet and the job you do, your response can vary immensely. Often 1 or 2 treatments is enough, other times it takes much longer and regular sessions are required for management and maintenance.

All our pains are likely to go away if we can afford the best lifestyle and live on a beach in Hawaii, but that's not an option for most of us! A lot of us have jobs, dependants and live in environments that can take an ongoing toll on our physical and mental health. Often the priority is addressing the intensity and frequency of a condition enough so we can keep going, build strength and resilience, feel good and work, rest and play the way we want to.

My approach is realistic and holistic. We'll find a way forward that works practically for you and your circumstances, and I'll offer you tips you can do yourself to help keep you going between treatments.

I worked for several years managing a therapy centre that provided mental health support for vulnerable young people and their families. Working closely with psychotherapists, I developed a strong interest and drive to support people with emotional and stress related health issues such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTS. 

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Traumatic and stressful experiences, big or small, can leave huge footprints on our emotions and physiology, leaving us feeling powerless, fearful and stuck in the stress response. ​​Those experiencing stress or trauma can learn to regulate their physiology in safe spaces that encourage a connection with the breath, sensations of the body, relaxation and thoughtful movement to notice how things can and will shift.

Observing and staying with sensations that emerge and then fade, allowing them to pass, combined with the experience of being in a safe space, are all positive neural imprinting experiences which regulate the core arousal system in the brain and allow people to feel safe once again inside their bodies.

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Acupuncture can combat the effects of stress by creating space in the body, calming the mind, increasing circulation, easing tension and relieving pain. 

Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine dating back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Middle Eastern cultures. Special cups are placed on your skin creating a suction effect to draw the skin and underlying tissue into the cup. The produced vacuum and negative pressure creates space in the tissues, which increases blood and lymphatic circulation systemically and to the local area, relaxes muscle tissue, draws stagnation and toxins out of the body and eases tension, tightness and pain.

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People try cupping for many purposes, it releases musculo-skeletal tension and is great paired with acupuncture to restore balance physically, mentally and emotionally. 

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Cupping can leave red marks on the skin which will fade after a few days. My approach is very gentle and I use movement with oil to create a massage like effect with and there is less chance of marks. A session usually involves 10 mins or so of cupping followed by acupuncture. It doesn't hurt and most people say it feels like a massage with a deep sense of release.

To be a member of the UK's main regulating body - the British Acupuncture Council - acupuncturists must have completed degree level training. My BSc in Traditional Chinese Medicice & Acupuncture was completed in 2008 at the University of Westminster. I have undertaken extensive postgraduate training in areas such as pain management, fertility, chronic illness, facial treatments and most extensivley in mental health. 

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I find classical Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy and practices endlessly fascinating and my learning has never stopped. I have since qualified as a qigong instructor and have completed a masters degree in anthropology. 

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More info about me here.