About Peter Thompson

I have been working as an acupuncturist and healer for over 17 years. Read more.....

Zero Balancing / Acupressure

Sometimes described as Structural Acupressure, Zero Balancing integrates a western scientific knowledge of body structure with eastern understandings of energy and healing. Read more.....

Massage

This is a skill I have trained in and developed over many years on a number of formal courses. Read more......

Acupuncture

WaterfallHow does it work?

Acupuncture focuses on the health of the whole being in order to better treat specific symptoms. Our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy, known as Chi, moving in a smooth, balanced way through channels within the body. When our Chi becomes unbalanced or disrupted, illness results. Inserting fine needles at key points helps to unblock the flow of energy and restore normal balance, thereby stimulating the body’s own healing response.

What does it feel like?

I use carefully placed hair fine needles which are much finer than those used for injections. Any initial sensation or discomfort is slight such that even children can cope with it. A small pricking sensation may be followed by an achy numb feeling. . Needles may be left in for 20 minutes; usually you will feel little or nothing while you wait. Surprisingly the common effect of treatment is that the person being treated becomes more relaxed and centred. Kindness is the key and you remain in control!

What conditions do you treat?

I have successfully helped with the following common conditions:

  • All forms of pain (back, shoulders, knees, etc)
  • Allergies
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Chronic fatigue patterns
  • Digestive, stomach and bowel disorders eg IBS
  • Fluid retention
  • Hay Fever
  • Headaches
  • Migraine
  • Morning Sickness
  • Problems with periods, PMT and infertility
  • Rhinitis
  • Sciatic pain
  • Sinus Pain
  • Skin disorders
  • Sleep pattern disturbance
  • Stress, anxiety, depression

There are many other conditions which are treatable using acupuncture. The World Health Organisation* lists 26 ailments that acupuncture has “been proved through clinical trials to be an effective treatment for”. The WHO also cites a further 27 conditions for which “the effects of acupuncture has been shown to work but where further proof is needed”….
*Acupuncture Review & Analysis of Reports on Controlled Trials. World Health Organisation 2002.

What does acupuncture do?

Acupuncture regulates brain chemicals and hormones, strengthens the immune system, improves blood circulation, calms inflamed tissues and stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms.

In a BBC TV programme in 2006 a doctor looked at various complementary therapies, including acupuncture. It showed an experiment where a particular acupuncture point was stimulated. The recipient’s brain activity was measured using an MRI scanner. With the needle in place a marked ‘deactivation’ of brain activity was observed. This effect was increased further when the needle was manipulated. This response is consistent with the calming effect I see in my patients which is so helpful to the many conditions where stress is a factor.

Of course, acupuncturists use more than one acupuncture point in a treatment. It is the skill of the acupuncturist to restore the harmony between the many acupuncture points and energy channels. There are many books about acupuncture which go deeper into how a diagnosis is made, the interactions between body, mind and spirit, how meridians work and how acupuncture helps us to heal. I am always willing to explain your treatment or recommend a book that will help.

Is it safe?

British Acupuncture Council members follow strict Codes of Practice which have much in common with best practice in hospitals. Only new, sealed needles are used in your treatment sessions which are then disposed of as clinical waste. Large UK patient surveys have found no significant adverse reactions or infections and have stated that; “acupuncture is very safe indeed in skilled hands”.

Do I need to remove much clothing?

No! –Just enough to access acupuncture point .The most commonly used points are located on the arms or lower legs so rolling up a sleeve or trouser leg is enough. Please ask if you are concerned.

What about my conventional medical treatment?

All our therapies are designed to be complementary to conventional treatment. If you have a new condition your doctor does not know of you will be advised to have his or her diagnosis first. Many people seek treatment for long standing conditions and would like to rely less on drugs such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Often it is possible to rely less on drugs when it is safe to do so on the advice of your GP.

Contemporary Acupuncture - 4000 year history

My experience of treating people with acupuncture has lead me to have a huge respect for the many healers who have contributed to this great body of knowledge -- tried and tested and adapted over 4,000 plus years. My training in London and Leamington Spa colleges were superbly adapted to the stresses of 21st century living by recent innovators.