Jump to:
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other East Asian countries for over 2000 years. Although often described solely as a means for pain relief, acupuncture can treat all kinds of illnesses that affect a wide range of people of all ages – adults, elderly people and even children.
According to the traditional Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, our health is dependent on the body’s warming, motivating energy – ‘qi’ – moving in a smooth, balanced and harmonious way through a series of channels beneath the skin, in harmony with and nourished by blood and fluids (yin), which are in turn moved by the qi (yang). The theory of the acupuncture channels is one of the most significant discoveries of Chinese medicine: they serve as a dynamic web that unites the human body as an integrated whole. When there is disharmony in that web the smooth flow of qi is disrupted, which affects the body and mind. By inserting very fine needles into points along these channels an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore natural balance – reversing the spiral of disharmony and setting the body back on the road to recovery and good health.
Who has Acupuncture and Why?
Many different people, male & female, young and old come to an acupuncturist in the first instance for help with specific symptoms or conditions. These might include anxiety states, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression, facial paralysis, fibrositis, headaches, high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines, pregnancy and childbirth conditions, rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions, ulcers and many, many more. Acupuncture is a safe treatment. It has proved to be effective in pregnancy management and preparation for childbirth as well as for people trying to overcome addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food or drugs. Some people have regular acupuncture as a preventative measure to stay well, or because they feel unwell in themselves without being ‘ill’ according to orthodox medical tests. Acupuncture can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of acute and chronic disease, and acupuncture and herbal medicine can also help cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people experience increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall functioning and well-being.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to the hypodermic needles used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles are much finer and are not hollow; often the patient does not even feel them inserted. The sensation induced when the needle contacts the qi below the skin is often described as a tingling or a dull ache; this shows that the acupuncture point has been successfully activated. The sterile needles are used once only and then safely disposed of.
How many Treatments will I need?
Each person and condition is different and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Sometimes one or two treatments are all that is necessary, whilst at others ongoing treatment for some months is needed for substantial change. Preparation for childbirth preferably requires three treatments prior to labour, and perhaps two or three more if the baby is overdue.
Service Call to Action
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Our Practitioners
Richard Royds
Richard trained in the early 1980s in Five Element Acupuncture at the College of Traditional Acupuncture, graduating with a Licentiate of Acupuncture in 1984 and a Bachelor of Acupuncture in 1988.
My work began in London at the Traditional Acupuncture Centre, Waterloo, the largest acupuncture centre in Britain set up the year before by six acupuncturists trained in the Five Element tradition, where I treated from 1984 until its closure in 2010 due to the retirement of its directors. I benefitted greatly from its particular atmosphere that derived from this commonly held understanding of our work- addressing the unique needs of each individual as a whole person in body, mind and spirit. Regular interaction with fellow practitioners of like mind on a weekly basis was also a source of valuable support. During my years in practice, I have enjoyed the opportunity to help very many people who have come to see me with a whole range of acute and chronic problems, stress-related and otherwise, as well as for support through pregnancy and post-natal.
Treating the root to restore natural balance:
Traditional acupuncture is an holistic medicine, which means the practitioner focuses on and treats each person as unique. Such an approach recognises that all problems have an underlying cause. In consequence, treatment is aimed at the root of the condition by stimulating the body’s own healing response and restoring its natural balance.
Healing body, mind and spirit:
Acupuncture treatment aims to correct any imbalance in the energy of a person and restore it to its natural state and flow, as well as to establish its rhythm with the natural cycles of day and night, the seasons, and the time of day. As the energy imbalances are corrected, the person’s body, mind and spirit start to heal.
“My spirit is tuned to the spring season: At the Autumn of the year there is autumn in my heart. Thus imitating cosmic changes, my cottage becomes a universe.” Li Yun
I started at Stillpoint in the Autumn of 2015, represented by the Metal Element, which represents a new annual cycle, a new cycle seasonally, as well as daily, in the sense that the Lung meridian in Metal starts at 3am and is known as the ‘lead chi’ (energy) of the daily cycle.
It is a great pleasure to work in this special location, helping those who have and are coming for help with this ancient art of treating the whole person. For further, more in-depth information on the way I work, do go to my own website: www.naturalbalanceacupuncture.co.uk, especially ’Traditional Acupuncture’ and ‘Coming for Treatment’. You may also wish to see the Testimonials section which my patients kindly agreed to offer. There are also more details about my training under ‘Influential Teachers’ that may be of interest. Finally, I produced a series of blogs about the Seasons and their relevance to our health and energy from a Five Element understanding, using quotes from the Classics that enlighten this approach.
How to book with Richard:
Mobile: 07975 860 966
Email: richard@naturalbalanceacupuncture.co.uk
www.naturalbalanceacupuncture.co.uk
Richard Royds
Richard trained in the early 1980s in Five Element Acupuncture at the College of Traditional Acupuncture, graduating with a Licentiate of Acupuncture in 1984 and a Bachelor of Acupuncture in 1988.
My work began in London at the Traditional Acupuncture Centre, Waterloo, the largest acupuncture centre in Britain set up the year before by six acupuncturists trained in the Five Element tradition, where I treated from 1984 until its closure in 2010 due to the retirement of its directors. I benefitted greatly from its particular atmosphere that derived from this commonly held understanding of our work- addressing the unique needs of each individual as a whole person in body, mind and spirit. Regular interaction with fellow practitioners of like mind on a weekly basis was also a source of valuable support. During my years in practice, I have enjoyed the opportunity to help very many people who have come to see me with a whole range of acute and chronic problems, stress-related and otherwise, as well as for support through pregnancy and post-natal.
Treating the root to restore natural balance:
Traditional acupuncture is an holistic medicine, which means the practitioner focuses on and treats each person as unique. Such an approach recognises that all problems have an underlying cause. In consequence, treatment is aimed at the root of the condition by stimulating the body’s own healing response and restoring its natural balance.
Healing body, mind and spirit:
Acupuncture treatment aims to correct any imbalance in the energy of a person and restore it to its natural state and flow, as well as to establish its rhythm with the natural cycles of day and night, the seasons, and the time of day. As the energy imbalances are corrected, the person’s body, mind and spirit start to heal.
“My spirit is tuned to the spring season: At the Autumn of the year there is autumn in my heart. Thus imitating cosmic changes, my cottage becomes a universe.” Li Yun
I started at Stillpoint in the Autumn of 2015, represented by the Metal Element, which represents a new annual cycle, a new cycle seasonally, as well as daily, in the sense that the Lung meridian in Metal starts at 3am and is known as the ‘lead chi’ (energy) of the daily cycle.
It is a great pleasure to work in this special location, helping those who have and are coming for help with this ancient art of treating the whole person. For further, more in-depth information on the way I work, do go to my own website: www.naturalbalanceacupuncture.co.uk, especially ’Traditional Acupuncture’ and ‘Coming for Treatment’. You may also wish to see the Testimonials section which my patients kindly agreed to offer. There are also more details about my training under ‘Influential Teachers’ that may be of interest. Finally, I produced a series of blogs about the Seasons and their relevance to our health and energy from a Five Element understanding, using quotes from the Classics that enlighten this approach.
How to book with Richard:
Mobile: 07975 860 966
Email: richard@naturalbalanceacupuncture.co.uk
www.naturalbalanceacupuncture.co.uk
Danny is an acupuncture specialist, Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese remedial massage (tuina) at Stillpoint. He is trained in various approaches to acupuncture, including the popular ‘Five Element’ and ‘TCM’ styles.
Originally studying English and Italian literature at Trinity College, Cambridge University, Danny went on to train in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese massage in both the UK and China. With over 15 years of clinical experience, he is particularly skilled in the treatment of male and female infertility, gynaecological problems, insomnia, anxiety and depression, and gastrointestinal complaints. Danny is also the editor of The Journal of Chinese Medicine, the foremost international English language journal dealing with all aspects of Chinese Medicine, and sits on the Governing Board of the British Acupuncture Council. In 2004 he founded the charity World Medicine (www.worldmedicine.org.uk), which facilitates acupuncturists and other CAM practitioners travelling around the world to where their skills are desperately needed. He has lectured on acupuncture and Chinese medicine at various colleges and is an enthusiastic practitioner of the Chinese martial arts, qigong and meditation.
Danny also practises at the London Acupuncture Clinic and the Frome Natural Health Clinic and is a long-term member of the British Acupuncture Council and the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine.
How to book:
For more information see www.bath-acupuncture.co.uk or to contact Danny directly email info@danielmaxwell.co.uk.
Danny is an acupuncture specialist, Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese remedial massage (tuina) at Stillpoint. He is trained in various approaches to acupuncture, including the popular ‘Five Element’ and ‘TCM’ styles.
Originally studying English and Italian literature at Trinity College, Cambridge University, Danny went on to train in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese massage in both the UK and China. With over 15 years of clinical experience, he is particularly skilled in the treatment of male and female infertility, gynaecological problems, insomnia, anxiety and depression, and gastrointestinal complaints. Danny is also the editor of The Journal of Chinese Medicine, the foremost international English language journal dealing with all aspects of Chinese Medicine, and sits on the Governing Board of the British Acupuncture Council. In 2004 he founded the charity World Medicine (www.worldmedicine.org.uk), which facilitates acupuncturists and other CAM practitioners travelling around the world to where their skills are desperately needed. He has lectured on acupuncture and Chinese medicine at various colleges and is an enthusiastic practitioner of the Chinese martial arts, qigong and meditation.
Danny also practises at the London Acupuncture Clinic and the Frome Natural Health Clinic and is a long-term member of the British Acupuncture Council and the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine.
How to book:
For more information see www.bath-acupuncture.co.uk or to contact Danny directly email info@danielmaxwell.co.uk.
How to book with Sue
Please contact Sue directly for more information on 07930 319020 or email: suecheethamwoods@mac.com
How to book with Sue
Please contact Sue directly for more information on 07930 319020 or email: suecheethamwoods@mac.com