Clinical Services

Commissioned Services

Auricular Acupuncture for Menopause Related Symptoms

Menopause is a natural part of life for most women, however many women will struggle at some point with difficult and distressing symptoms including;

Hot flushes
Night Sweats
Sleep problems
Anxiety and depression
Racing heart and palpitations
Loss of libido

Medications and surgery used as an effective way of treating breast, ovarian and prostate cancers may lead to similar problems for many patients.

In recent trials Auricular Acupuncture has been demonstrated to considerably improve or even eradicate some of these problems for some people.

How Does Auricular Acupuncture Work?

MRI scan technology shows that acupuncture directly affects the parts of the brain that controls hormone balance, temperature regulation and emotion. This could account for the feelings of improved mood and well being that accompany a reduction in physical symptoms.

What Happens During Treatment?

At the first appointment you will be assessed and asked questions about your overall health, the type and severity of your symptoms and any medications you are currently taking. You will be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to treatment.

5 sterile single use needles are placed in each ear. This is not usually painful but some people experience a slight stinging sensation at first. The needles stay in place for approximately 35 minutes. During this time you will be left to relax. Most people find that they feel quite sleepy and comfortable. Clothing need not be removed and treatment can be given sitting in a comfy chair.

You will be asked to score your symptoms before and after treatment. Throughout the course of your treatment these scores will be monitored and reviewed to determine how helpful auricular acupuncture is for you.

After 35 minutes the needles are removed and disposed of. This is completely painless but occasionally slight bleeding can occur. This is normally easily controlled with a cotton wool swab. You can immediately return to your usual activities; however some people do feel drowsy for a short time afterwards in which case you should not drive or operate machinery until feeling fully alert.

Normally 10 treatments will be given on a once weekly basis. Sometimes a monthly or 3 monthly booster treatment may be necessary to keep symptoms fully under control.

Please have a light meal or snack before treatment and avoid drinking alcohol both before and after treatment.

Is Acupuncture Suitable For Me?

Auricular acupuncture is very safe but it is important that you let your acupuncturist know if you;

Have a metal allergy
Are Suffering from an infection
Have epilepsy
Have a bleeding or clotting problem or are taking medication to reduce blood clotting such as warfarin
Have an immune disorder or are prone to infection
Are Diabetic
Have high or low blood pressure

If you do have any of the above, or have any concerns as to whether treatment is suitable for you please speak to your acupuncturist first. In most cases treatment will still be given but adapted to your specific requirements.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are extremely rare, however you need to be aware that;

Drowsiness can occur during and after treatment- If affected do not drive.
Slight bleeding on the removal of needles can occur
Occasionally a stinging sensation can occur on needling- this usually wears off after a moment or two
The blood pressure may be lowered during treatment causing dizziness

Referrals

Self referrals or through a GP or Consultant are accepted. If you are receiving funding through medical insurance or private medicine schemes a written referral from your GP or Consultant is normally required. Written pre authorisation from the insurer is necessary prior to treatment and we will then invoice direct.

All of your treatment will be provided by fully qualified experienced practitioners. Most of our practitioners are also qualified nurses.

Charges

Individual treatment £30

Group clinics per session £10 (for groups of 6 -10)

6 group treatments paid in advance £55

10 group treatments paid in advance £90

Payment is required at the end of each treatment and can be made by cash or cheque. Cheques must be made payable to Seven Wellbeing Centre Ltd.

Further Information or to book an appointment.

Contact;

Gwyn Featonby

Butterwick Hospice Care

Middlefield Road

Stockton on Tees

TS19 8XN

Tel:01642 607742

Fax:01642 617641

Auricular Acupuncture for Patients with Prostate Cancer

Hormone related medications are an effective way of treating prostate cancer, however they may have significant side effects including;

Hot flushes
Night Sweats
Sleep problems
Anxiety and depression
Racing heart and palpitations
Loss of libido

Auricular Acupuncture has been demonstrated to considerably improve or even eradicate some of these problems in some patients. In a recent trial over 95% of men reported a significant decrease in their symptoms following auricular acupuncture.

How Does Auricular Acupuncture Work?

MRI scan technology shows that Acupuncture directly affects the parts of the brain that control hormone balance, temperature regulation and emotion. This could account for the feelings of improved mood and well being that accompany a reduction in physical symptoms.

What Happens During Treatment?

Clothing need not be removed and treatment can be given sitting in a comfy chair.

After 30 minutes the needles are removed and disposed of. This is completely painless but occasionally slight bleeding can occur. This is normally easily controlled with a cotton wool swab. You can immediately return to your usual activities; however some people do feel drowsy for a short time afterwards in which case you should not drive or operate machinery until feeling fully alert.