What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional medicine practised in China and the Far East for thousands of years, and refined over that time into a treatment used by growing numbers of people in the West. A growing body of research is showing how the body responds to it. The NHS recommends acupuncture for pain, headaches and migraine (nhs.uk), and in clinic people also come for insomnia, fertility, anxiety and depression.
Treatment involves inserting very fine needles into specific points, traditionally said to affect the flow of your body's qi, or vital energy.
Why people come
- Headaches and migraine
- Digestive health: IBS, acid reflux, constipation
- Sinus and throat problems, long Covid, hay fever
- Anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, insomnia, tinnitus
- Fatigue, ME, fibromyalgia
- Prostate problems, incontinence
- Menopause and menstrual problems
- Fertility, including male fertility, endometriosis and PCOS
- Autoimmune and thyroid health
- Arthritis and back, shoulder and neck pain, sciatica
- TMJ, joint and muscle pain
Patients often notice improvements in other, secondary problems as their sessions continue.
What to expect
Your first visit takes up to an hour. It starts with a personal and medical consultation covering your family history, lifestyle, things like sleep and appetite, and full details of your current problems and any tests you've had, all in complete confidence. Jane then carries out a few short, non-invasive checks such as blood pressure, temperature and pulse. In most cases your first treatment follows. Later appointments take up to an hour and include a review of your progress.
Once you've booked, Jane offers a free 15–20 minute phone conversation beforehand, so she can plan safely and you can relax into your session.
What does it feel like?
The needles are flexible and about as thick as two human hairs, so most people feel only a very slight sensation as they go in. Sometimes there's a dull ache at the point for a few seconds. Many people find acupuncture very relaxing; you may feel a little tired or sleepy afterwards, so try to keep the rest of the day quiet, especially after your first treatment.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture is one of the safest treatments available in the UK. Studies in 2001 found the risk of a serious adverse reaction is less than 1 in 10,000. Minor side effects, such as dizziness or bruising, are infrequent, mild and settle on their own. More information is on the British Acupuncture Council's website (acupuncture.org.uk).
Jane is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and follows its standards of practice and code of ethics. Her treatments are recognised by most insurance companies; please check with yours before booking.
Who you'll see
Jane Brockbank
BA (Hons), LicAc, MBAcCJane graduated from The Acupuncture Academy in 2023 with a Distinction in her Professional Licentiate in Acupuncture, a three-year degree-level qualification, and was highly commended for her clinical work. Her training focused on the five element approach, looking at your main health problem alongside you as a whole person, and she has studied Chinese dietary and herbal theory and further courses including cancer care, menopause, musculoskeletal problems and supporting neurodiversity.
More about JanePrices
Acupuncture gift vouchers are available from Jane.