Acupuncture

Dr Gordon Jones is a Member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS),  and he is regulated by their rules and regulations. He is fully trained in Western Medical Acupuncture and has passed the Certificate of Competance following examination by the BMAS.

Acupuncture-like techniques have been used in different parts of the world for at least 3,000 years. There are two main forms of acupuncture practiced in this country: Traditional and Western Medical.

Traditional acupuncturists use the concept of a vital force called "Qi" that circulates through the organs along channels called meridians to explain how health is maintained. In order to remain healthy, tradional theory disctates that Qi must flow correctly, in terms of strength and quality, along these meridians. Acupuncture points are located along the meridians and theoretically provide one means of altering the flow of Qi. Traditional acupuncture relies on a number of methods of diagnosis including peripheral pulses, the appearance of the tongue, speech, history and the overall impression of the patient. Based on this range of considerations, the practitioner selects the meridians and points to be stimulated. 

Western medical acupuncture, the approach used by many of the conventional healthcare professionals who practice acupuncture and the one used by Dr Jones, is based on a detailed knowledge of anatomy, contemporary neurophysiology and the recognised mechanisms of sensory neuromodulation. Diagnosis is carried out  by history and and a thorough physical examination. The therapy is based on the selection of acupuncture points which correspond to muscular "trigger points" found on examination and other points based on the nerve supply of the tissues at that site.

What can you use acupuncture for?

Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat painful complaints, especially musculoskeletal pain such as that associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, neck, shoulder and lower back pain and other muscular pains. It is also effective in the treatment of chronic headache including migraine and in post operative nausea and vomiting. Other non-pain conditions such as unstable bladder and help with stopping smoking have been treated with acupuncture.

What happens during the consultation?

There is a 30 minute initial consultation when a history is taken followed by an examination. Any questions are answered and consent for treatment is obtained. At this first appointment the first session of acuputure takes place. 

Follow up sessions, normally at weekly intervals, last approximately 30mins. Most problems would initially require a series of 3 acupuncture sessions . Depending on response to treatment further sessions may be required often with a lengthier interval between treatments.