Acupuncture London

What is Acupuncture?

Originating in China more than 2000 years ago, Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical treatments in the world. By inserting fine, sterile needles into the skin at various anatomical points, the needles are then manipulated by hand or by electrical stimulation to balance the various systems in the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body involves two different opposing and inseparable energy forces: ying and yang. Ying represents the cold, slow or passive energy, and yang represents the hot, fast or active force. An imbalance between the two different types of energy may result in a blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians within our body. This blockage consequently causes various health disorders. There are more than 361 acupuncture points on the human body. Acupuncture stimulates or alleviates different acupuncture points through the meridians, and helps to release the meridians’ blockage. The practise of acupuncture, ameliorates the flow and balance of energy in the body. Used throughout the world, acupuncture has been acknowledged by The World Health Organisation (WHO), and NICE (National Institute of Clinic Excellence – UK) as an additional holistic treatment. Switzerland, Cuba, and China, include acupuncture in their health care systems. Acupuncture is suitable for a wide range of conditions. See the A-Z of conditions treated.

Dr Stavy’s Acupuncture Clinic

As a skilled acupuncturist, Dr Stavy can make a traditional diagnosis from a complex pattern of disharmony unique to your body. This enables her to develop a treatment plan personal to you. The consultation takes about an hour and follow-ups about 50 minutes to an hour. During the consultation, you and Dr Stavy will discuss your health status, and she will identify and treat the acupuncture points according to your diagnosis. If required, additional advice on herbal and supplement treatment will be provided. Dr Stavy Nikitopoulou always takes great care to explain the steps of the acupuncture treatment and nothing should hurt or be uncomfortable. Insertion of needles is generally painless. As the Qi arrives at the needle, sensations like heaviness, dull aching or distension can be felt. Most patients find this a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. To book an appointment with Dr Stavy Nikitopoulou for treatment or if you have any further questions please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a very safe procedure when performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist Practitioner. It’s important to note the usage of extremely fine, sterile, single-use and disposable needles. In the hands of experienced practitioners, acupuncture treatment is a safe and effective procedure.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

The length and amount of treatments depend on the type of the health issue. A consultation with an experienced practitioner about your health profile will offer a suitable plan for your treatment.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture may provide you sometimes, a generally mild sensation during the insertion of acupuncture needles, which has been described as an unusual feeling but not painful. Some experience a brief moment of discomfort, mild sensations of tingling, numbness, warmth, or heaviness. On some points, you may feel “qi” which is the energy of the body moving, but this sensation is not painful.

Is acupuncture for me?

Chances are good that acupuncture has something to offer you. Acupuncture works by correcting the imbalances that cause disease and by stimulating your body’s natural healing mechanisms. Even if you are in great health by western medicine’s standards, acupuncture can improve your quality of life by enhancing your mood, boosting energy, and facilitating sleep.

Acupuncture is effective for an incredibly wide range of conditions. In many cultures, acupuncture was used as primary health care for centuries, and acupuncturists were called on to treat everything under the sun. For generation after generation, the greatest minds of the times would spend their lives refining their understanding of the human body and healing techniques. The medicine we practice today is a reflection of this work and is still highly dynamic in its evolution, changing and refining itself as new information and understandings emerge.

How many times, and how often, will I need to come in for treatment?

The practitioner will estimate your health status and together make a plan that balances best practices with your schedule and lifestyle. The efficacy of acupuncture treatment varies for each patient. It depends on the severity, nature and chronicity of the condition.

How long are appointments?

Your first appointment can last from 60 minutes. Follow-up visits usually last 30 minutes to an hour.

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept cash and checks, as well as Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express cards. You can pay online (PayPal) or at the clinic.

Is a completed medical history obligated?

In acupuncture, a diagnosis is formed by information gathered from questions and observation. Any piece of information can confirm or contradict a possible diagnosis, and it may have a significant value for the proper design of the treatment plan.

What kind of acupuncture needles do we use?

We only use sterile, single-use and disposable needles.

What types of services does Dr Stavroula Nikitopoulou provide?

Dr Stavroula Nikitopoulou, is a Licensed Family Doctor who performs Acupuncture and Electro-acupuncture, nutritional guidance, counselling and Classical Homeopathy treatments. Dr Stavy is also a very experienced functional medicine doctor.

What does acupuncture feel like? Is it painful?

Acupuncture needles are really very thin that most of the time you can’t feel them at all. They are less than 1/10 the thickness of the traditional needle. During the insertion, you may experience a variety of sensations including heaviness, warmth, or tingling near or along the meridians of the acupuncture points, which are indications that your body is well responding to the treatment. Most people find it relaxing. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache

Can acupuncture function as a Preventative Medicine?

Acupuncture is a wonderful holistic treatment, for general well-being, stress reduction and boosting the immune system. It may play an important role in Preventative Medicine.

What does Electro-Acupuncture mean?

Acupuncture tiny needles are used to conduct small electrical currents. This technique, often used in conjunction with acupuncture, has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, oedema and swelling.

What is the Definition of Medical Acupuncture?

Medical Acupuncture: When acupuncture is performed by a western Medical Doctor (MD), it is termed “Medical Acupuncture” and they are focused more on scientific medical evidence guidelines in Acupuncture.

Who can use Acupuncture?

Acupuncture not only can be used by people with specific symptoms or acute and chronic conditions, but also as a preventive measure. It is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. It can be very effective when integrated with conventional medicine.