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David Rogers Lic.Ac

Has practised acupuncture for over 25 years. As well as being trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, he has made a particular study of sports injury treatment using acupuncture, massage and rehabilitative exercise.

You can book a treatment or consultation by telephone or the contact page on the menu above.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and the far east for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. It’s focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.

According to the traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependant on the body’s motivating energy, known as Qi – moving in a smooth, balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities – Yin and Yang- when these become unbalanced illness may result. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore it’s natural balance. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states, such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma.
The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the equilibrium between the mind, body and spirit of the individual.

Conditions that can be treated by Acupuncture:
Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. These might include anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression, facial paralysis, fibrositis, high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines, rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions or ulcers.

Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It is proved to be effective in pregnancy management. Acupuncture is also helpful for people trying to overcome addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food and drugs.

Some people have acupuncture as a preventative method to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves without being ill in the conventional sense. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in treatment of both acute and chronic disease. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary from one person to another.

Modern Scientific Evidence for Acupuncture

The World Health Organisation published a study the effects of acupuncture in a number of controlled clinical trials. The result was a large amount of evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture for a number of medical conditions. You can download a copy of the report:
WHO Clinical Trials.

Common Q&A’s about acupuncture:
Q: What should I do before treatment?
A: Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. Also avoid alcohol and food or drinks which colour your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment.

Q: How will I feel after acupuncture?
A: Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours after treatment, in which case you are advised not to drive or do anything that can put you at risk. There may also be a short term flare up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself.

Q: Should I tell my doctor?
A: If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Q: Is Acupuncture available on the NHS?
A: Not generally. In cases where your local Primary Care Group(PCG) or Primary Care Trust(PCT) have agreed a contract with a local acupuncturist, your GP may make a referral. However, you should always enquire as to the training of an acupuncturist and ensure that they have studied for a minimum three years full-time or the part-time equivalent. Many GP’s/Physios have just done a weekend or two training.

Q: What can acupuncture do for me?
A: It depends on whether you have specific symptoms or want to use acupuncture as a preventative treatment. Contact us at the centre for a free consultation. We will be able to answer specific questions that you may have.

Q: Why should I go to the Rising Crane clinic?
A: David Rogers has extensive training in acupuncture having graduated from the ‘ College of Integrated Chinese Medicine’. He is covered by full Medical Malpractice and Public Liability Insurance. Despite spending a lot of time in China and having a deep appreciation for Chinese culture, he has over 25 years of clinical experience in the UK, and being a native English speaker, communication will not be a problem!

Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: This varies between patients. Certainly a course of treatment is required, one off miracle cures are unusual! Some changes either in yourself generally, or in your condition directly should be noticed after 2 or 3 treatments.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Treatments usually take from 45 minutes to an hour. The charge for each treatment is £60.

Q: What is the difference between Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and Medical Acupuncture?
A: Medical Acupuncture is often practised by doctors who have an interest in acupuncture, sometimes with only a few weekends training. The qualification Lic.Ac. requires an extensive training in acupuncture (irrespective of any prior western medical training) of at least 3 years full-time (or the part-time equivalent) and which includes the requisite western medical sciences.

Q: Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?
A: Yes, at least until careful discussion is had with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment – because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.

Q: Will I need to take my clothes off?
A: Acupuncture points are located all over the body and you will usually be required to undress to underwear to make the treatment more convenient. After a consultation, the acupuncturist will leave the room to allow you to get undressed and comfortable on the table, and cover with a blanket if you wish.

Q: Does it hurt?
A: Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people’s experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or a dull ache.

Q: What about the needles used?
A: Our clinic uses only single use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of after each treatment. We observe a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for other equipment.