jess birmingham
In the early 90's I was recovering from a serious illness and and eventually found my way to acupuncture. One day I watched a heavily pregnant woman leave the clinic before me, and our acupuncturist said to her, "let me know if it turns".
I was fascinated, and that was the beginning of my journey. I have since had the joy of supporting many women with breech presentations. I have also discovered the breadth of Traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM) and what can be helped with it; chronic to acute, mental, emotional and physical presentations - it's range lies in it treating the person, not the disease.
Acupuncture is the subject of increasing amounts of positive research. A simplified system is used in the NHS by doctors, physiotherapists and midwives for pain relief whilst traditional acupuncturists utilise the entire system of TEAM to treat across a whole range of conditions.
It can be safely used alongside Western medicine and I am experienced at recognising when to refer to your GP if necessary.
Japanese acupuncture
What is the difference between Japanese and Chinese acupuncture?
Gentleness.
Japanese style acupuncture is more palpatory than its better known Chinese counterpart, it is about touching the body to feel what is going on. The needle sensation in Japanese style is much more acceptable to us in the West; they are inserted to a lesser depth, the idea being that you let the qi come to the needle.
Chinese style acupuncturists will feel your pulse and look at your tongue, as do I, to make their diagnosis and generally insert the needles to a greater depth to reach the sensation of deqi, but there is little or no palpation of the whole channel.
What is the difference between Japanese and Chinese acupuncture.
Gentleness.
Japanese is more palpatory, about touching the body to feel what is going on. The needle sensation in Japanese style acupuncture is much more acceptable to us in the West; they are inserted to a lesser depth, the idea being that you let the qi come to the needle.
Chinese style acupuncturists feel your pulse and look at your tongue, as do I, to make their diagnosis and generally insert the needles to a greater depth to reach the sensation of deqi, but there is little or no palpation of the whole channel.
What will happen in a session?
I will talk to you about how you are feeling, what symptoms you are experiencing, what you have tried already and what you hope acupuncture can achieve.
I will perform hands on treatment to assess your physical state, palpating your belly and the traditional channels through which qi flows. I feel your pulse. By listening to you and palpating, I am able to come to a traditional East Asian medicine-informed diagnosis.
I will then treat you with needles and/or Moxa, as I see appropriate for your condition. This improves the flow of vital energy or qi through you. I am aiming to unblock your system and allow your body to heal itself.
Chinese herbal medicine
acupuncture fees
- Adults - initial appointment £90, ongoing £65 (about 1hr )
- please note - assessment forms will be sent online in advance, to bring to in-person appointment
- Under 16 & children requiring an hour appointment; initial £80, ongoing £65
- Children u.12 max- initial appointments £65, ongoing £55 (about 1/2hr)
chinese herbal medicine fees
- Initial assessment - in person, adults £80 (about 1hr) children £40 (about 1/2 hr) complex needs may need an hr appointment and will be charged accordingly.
- Ongoing - online or in person £30(1/2 hr)
- Herbs are an additional cost charged at cost payable directly to the dispensary. Costs vary according to the prescription, but a guide figure is between £25-£35 pw
Cancellation Policy - A minimum notice of 2 working days is requested to cancel or reschedule an appointment. You will need to contact Jess directly to do so. Late cancellation (less than 2 working days notice) may be charged at up to the full fee at the discretion of the Clinic. Non attendance is charged at the full fee.