If you’re looking for acupuncture in York, but you are only intending to try acupuncture for one session, you may be disappointed with the results – you may even feel worse for it! To really benefit from acupuncture it is important to understand the accumulative effects of regular treatments, and the many simple ways in which you can enhance and sustain these benefits long after the needles are gone.

Acupuncture is an energy medicine; it works by improving the flow of natural vital energy known as ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) around your body. Blockages in the energy pathways lead to symptoms of dis-ease which show up in different ways, according to your unique state of health.

Why You May Feel Worse Before You Feel Better!

A good way to understand what is happening is to imagine what your home would be like if you left rubbish piled up in every doorway. You would find it harder and harder to move between the rooms – you couldn’t flow easily from one space to the next! Now, once you start sorting out the rubbish and throwing it into recycling or waste, the mess gets worse for a short time, but then gets taken away.

This is what happens in your body during acupuncture; the blocks in your natural energies are stimulated and shifted so the energy can flow smoothly through. Sorting out the blockages can make your symptoms feel worse for a short time; for instance you may feel more tired than usual, experience headaches or skin breakouts. After each acupuncture session the energy flow becomes stronger and the blockages get weaker until eventually, your symptoms are resolved! This is the accumulative power of acupuncture at work.

You may be seeking help for a longstanding health problem e.g. back pain, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, wanting to quit smoking – the effects of these conditions are deeply ingrained in your body and it will take more than one acupuncture session to adjust your system and stimulate healing!

How many sessions are needed depends upon the health issue we are dealing with and I will tell you my recommendations at your first session.

What You Can Do To Help Yourself

In between your acupuncture sessions it is important for you to drink plenty of water and reduce stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and energy drinks; nourish your body with suitable foods and sleep well. If you are used to late nights, this is a good time to work on changing that habit! Being asleep by 11pm can make a huge difference to your energy and wellbeing as your body carries out myriad detoxification and cleansing processes during sleep, particularly between 11pm and 3am. In Chinese Medicine these are known as ‘the Golden Hours’ because of their significance to your health.

Certain foods may be especially suitable for you and I will discuss these with you. For instance warming foods and spices like ginger, cinnamon and black pepper are helpful for sluggish stagnant conditions such as constipation and poor circulation. I may also recommend you to see a Nutritionist if necessary as combining acupuncture with nutritional therapy can quicken the healing process.

If you have any questions about acupuncture, booking a session of acupuncture in York with us, or just how it may bring positive change to YOUR life contact me, Tiziana, on 07788 633292 or email at info@yorktraditionalacupuncture.co.uk