Blog | Acupuncture That Works

A look back at 2019

December 20, 2019December 31, 2019 ATWAcupunctureLeave a Comment

As 2019 draws to a close, we wanted to reflect on our highlights from the past 12 months at Acupuncture That Works.

Without doubt, we started the year on a high by winning the Global Health & Pharma UK award for Acupuncture Clinic of the Year.

It was a huge achievement for the team and, importantly, well-deserved recognition for alternative medicine.

2019 has seen some changes to the team, as we welcomed Amanda as our fully-qualified massage therapist.

In March our team expanded further with Nadine, who arrived as a newly qualified Acupuncturist with a 1st class honours degree in Acupuncture.

And, finally, Sharron has come on board as our new reflexology practitioner. Sharron is qualified to level 5 in reflexology and also practices reiki.

In terms of results, the team at Acupuncture That Works have celebrated many triumphs throughout the year.

That success started with an impressive total of seven fertility patients becoming pregnant; one of them expecting twins, when they added in acupuncture to their journey.

We have also used acupuncture throughout this year for a range of ailments, the most common being shoulder, back and neck pain. Additionally, we saw people for stress, anxiety, hot flushes and ADHD as people want acupuncture to be part of their approach to balanced living.

The whole team has a tireless focus on improving the quality of life for all our patients, and it has been encouraging to have patients come back frequently and achieve so many great results.

Our founder, Emma Guy, was interviewed by ITV Granada about Race Across America 2019. As a cancer survivor, she believes it is time to ‘start to look at prevention’ and set a target of raising £125,000 to assist with work and research on preventing breast cancer.

We pledged to contribute one per cent towards the total, and are happy to announce we did exactly that.

Emma, although already practising at level Reiki 2, had always wanted become a Reiki Master. In October she was given this honour and has seen some great improvements in her sessions.

We celebrated our eighth birthday during 2019 too. Although it may seem like only yesterday since our doors opened, we have grown at an exponential rate and now offer far more than Acupuncture. Our holistic therapy treatments now include Reflexology and Reiki, physiotherapy, massage, Tuina and Hopi Ear Candling.

As attention turns to a New Year, we’re excited about the future and optimistic we can enjoy many more years of success and growth.

Our undoubted highlight in 2019, on which the whole team agrees, was resident Acupuncturist Cath welcoming daughter Tamsin into the world – we’ve all enjoyed lots of cuddles with her!

We wish Cath well for the remainder of her maternity leave and can’t wait for her to return in 2020.

As we prepare to enter a new decade, we’d like to thank all our patients, friends, family and – of course – the team at Acupuncture That Works.

ATW turns eight today!

November 1, 2019October 31, 2019 ATWAcupunctureTagged newsLeave a Comment

We’re thrilled to announce that, although it seems like only yesterday we set up our first Northwich clinic, Acupuncture That Works is in fact eight years old!

Back in November 2011, ATW opened its doors following Emma Guy’s retraining as a licensed Acupuncturist. She had suffered with Ulcerative Colitis and had found Acupuncture to be of great benefit. Consequently Emma switched career paths so that she could bring the same relief to as many people as possible through Acupuncture.

Fast forward eight years, and ATW boasts a staff of seven, and has expanded far beyond the realm of Acupuncture. Our holistic therapy treatments now include reflexology and reiki, physiotherapy, massage, tunia and Hopi ear candling.

We never cease to marvel at the range of problems and symptoms with which people call on Acupuncture That Works for help. From fertility problems and sports injuries, to insomnia and anxiety, the range of conditions with which we are able to help is extensive.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future and hoping for many more years of success and growth!

ATW anniversary

Eastern vs Western Acupuncture: What’s the difference?

October 25, 2019October 25, 2019 ATWAcupuncture, InformationTagged Acupuncture, qiLeave a Comment

Qi or chi Chinese character

Most people wouldn’t think of Acupuncture in terms of Eastern and Western, but they are in fact very different. Acupuncture is thousands of years old and derives from Traditional Chinese Medicine which is what is also referred to as ‘Eastern’ Acupuncture. It has only been in the last 50 years that Acupuncture has become more widely recognised as a treatment for a variety of ailments in the West. Here we will be exploring the distinct differences between Eastern and Western Acupuncture to help you understand their uses, benefits and how they work.

Eastern Acupuncture

To understand Acupuncture, we must first look to the East, and more specifically to China, where Acupuncture is part of a wider philosophy within Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Acupuncture is based on the belief that Qi (chi) is energy that circulates through the body, connecting vital organs and bodily functions. If this energy is blocked, problems within the body will occur and therefore it is through acupuncture that acupressure points can be stimulated to restore the flow of Qi, harmonising the body. Concepts such as Qi as well as Yin and Yang are all fundamental within Traditional Acupuncture as it is primarily a philosophical based medicine.

Western Acupuncture

Western Acupuncture on the other hand works on a much more scientific and evidential basis, compared to the traditional acupuncture philosophies. As there is no physical basis in which to verify the connection between the ‘Eastern’ acu-points and an ailment, Western acupuncture chooses to reinterpret them. The Western models of the human anatomy are used alongside verified data and studies to determine how Acupuncture is used as a treatment. This means that unlike Traditional Acupuncture, the Western counterpart does not insert needles based on the philosophy of Qi flow. Many therefore believe Western Acupuncture to be a much safer treatment as it tends to be slightly more regulated. As such, practitioners are less willing to risk injuring the patient by inserting needles into traditional acu points. The principles they choose to focus on instead include the Gate Theory of Pain as well as stimulating the body’s natural opiates through needles.

Having said that, the training necessary to qualify in Western acupuncture is shorter and the bar for certification lower. For instance the AACP foundation course in acupuncture lasts six days. Compare this to training in Traditional Chinese medicine which tends to take one to three years.

So, what is the difference between Eastern and Western Acupuncture?

Put simply, the two differ in their teaching model with Eastern being philosophy based and Western using medical models and evidential diagnoses before treatment. Whilst both work in different ways, the principles are very similar with modern day acupuncture practitioners working to bring elements from each together to safely aid in restoring harmony in the body and helping individuals with a wide variety of ailments. Acupuncture is recognised as safe treatment that works well particularly when used in conjunction with conventional medicines. And, when carried out by a qualified practitioner, complications such a disease, tissue damage, infections etc. are extremely rare.

Are you interested in finding out more about the treatments we offer at Acupuncture That Works and how they can benefit your overall health and wellbeing? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today on 0800 051 76 88 or by completing our contact form!

How Acupuncture Sessions May Help Manage Depression Symptoms

October 15, 2019October 15, 2019 ATWAcupunctureTagged DepressionLeave a Comment

depression treatment Acupuncture is a deeply historic practice and one that has been used for centuries to manage symptoms of a variety of pains and illnesses of both body and mind.

While acupuncture’s techniques are commonly used by those looking to relieve pain and it’s often employed to provide a remedy or relief for joints, headaches and a wide range of other ailments, the practice can also be effective when it comes to less tangible problems, such as depression.

This less well-known use of acupuncture can have startling effects on the mind. If you are suffering from depression, Acupuncture That Works recommends trying a course of acupuncture to discover the benefits it can exert on your state of being.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that evolved in the Far East, which makes use of the Chinese concept of Qi, or energy. Misplaced Qi can cause pain and illnesses, and acupuncture aims to resolve this imbalance.

Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into particular points on the body, in order to realign the energy that has been disturbed and to rebalance the Qi, alongside Chinese principles of Yin and Yang.

In this sense, if depression is seen as an imbalance of energy, then the same techniques used in acupuncture to cure physical pain in the body, can be used to cure the imbalance of Qi that may have led to a depressive state of mind.

Acupuncture and Depression

Restoring the body’s energy to its perfect balance is the essential principle behind acupuncture and the essential methodology behind its ability to manage depression.

The body has multiple acupoints, which are locations that can be targeted by an acupuncture specialist in order to relieve pain. The specialist may make use of multiple acupoints on the body when providing acupuncture sessions for depression.

While also relieving any underlying bodily tensions and pains, the acupuncture course will help to promote overall positivity within your body, as Qi is restored to its rightful balance.

Depression though is a long-term illness, and to be effective it’s recommended that you take multiple courses of acupuncture over a period of several weeks. The exact length and time of acupuncture for depression will vary from individual to individual, as every body and every mind reacts differently to the practice.

While it might be a tradition that’s thousands of years old, acupuncture is supported by modern scientific research and has been shown to be an effective means of managing depression. It’s important though, that anyone suffering from depression doesn’t solely use acupuncture as a means to cure that depression, as the body and mind can heal quicker when multiple techniques and cures are tried at the same time. Acupuncture is an excellent way to aid modern methods of handling depression, such as antidepressant pills.

At Acupuncture That Works, we know the best techniques for delivering acupuncture that actually works. Contact us today to discuss depression and acupuncture by giving us a call on 0800 051 76 88 or by completing our contact form.

We are delighted to welcome our new Reflexologist to the team

October 14, 2019October 14, 2019 ATWAcupunctureLeave a Comment

Acupuncture That Works welcomes our new Reflexology practitioner, Sharron Roughton.

Sharron is a level 5 Reflexology Practitioner and more recently qualified in Reiki 2. She has a keen interest in women’s health, and has training in Maternity, & Fertility Reflexology, palliative & cancer care. She is also trained in NEPIP Reflexology (NeuroEndoPsychoImmunoPody) which is a wonderful treatment including client and therapist in mindfulness intent. She also specialises in AdRx – adapted Reflextherapy for spine and whiplash pain.

Award-Winning Acupuncturist Interviewed by ITV Granada

May 24, 2019July 22, 2019 ATWAcupunctureLeave a Comment

This June, charity fundraiser Tom Allen and cancer surgeon James Harvey plan to race for 8 days across America, completing a total of 3,081 miles to go from the West Coast to the East Coast.

In order to complete the gargantuan task of cycling 200 miles per day, each cyclist will have to consume around 8,000 calories a day; bear in mind, the average male should consume 2,500 a day.

The 45-55 degree heat, and the 170,000 feet in elevation is sure to be a difficult task.

However, it’s all for a good cause as Tom and James are raising money for Prevent Breast Cancer, for whom they plan to raise to raise £125,000 in order to fund a DNA testing scheme for cancer.

James, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, is the consultant for Emma Guy of Acupuncture That Works.

Emma, founder of ATW and breast cancer survivor, was interviewed by ITV Granada in relation to Race Across America 2019. Emma believes that now is the time to “start to look at prevention.”

Emma hopes that with the £125,000 target, “Perhaps with this funding we may be able to prevent breast cancer ever happening in the future.” Emma, and ATW, have commited to raising 1% of this funding for Tom and James; there is a donation box in the clinic, along with information on the fundraiser and the charity.

Using the links below you can:

Global Health & Pharma – Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health Awards 2019

May 24, 2019November 13, 2019 ATWAcupuncture

Acupuncture That Works are delighted to reveal that we have been presented with the Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health Awards 2019, hosted by GHP-Magazine! We have been recognised by Global Health & Pharma as going above and beyond for our patients.

Through these annual awards, Global Health & Pharma Magazine aim to recognise those who go above and beyond for their clients with their ailments, offering alternative health care treatments, so we are thrilled to have won.

GHP knows how important it is to seek out the right treatment for you. They believe that “it is now more important than ever to sought out alternative health care treatments and products as a means of maintaining good health, globally.”

GHP recognises businesses all over the world, businesses who aim to give people options other than antibiotics and chemicals when it comes to being ill, especially as the general public becomes more and more concerned with negative effects or side effects of typical medicines.

GHP Magazine is a merit-led awarding body, who research and analyse everything about the nominees, ensuring that only the most deserving practices walk away with the prize each year.

The whole team here at Acupuncture at Works are really pleased to have been recognised for all our hard work over the last year.

Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for ATW, especially as nominations have come from all over the world.

ATW was founded by Emma Guy and her love of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her wanting to help others after TCM helped her so much. ATW support patients with a range of therapies, including Physiotherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Massage and of course Acupuncture.

For more information about the awards, visit the GHP website.

GHP Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health Awards 2019

Acupuncture That Works gives you Something to Look Forward To

April 3, 2019November 13, 2019 ATWAcupuncture, Information

Here at ATW, we’re passionate about helping people, whether that be people who come to see us regularly or just on a one off basis.

We have had close links with an organisation called Something To Look Forward To for many years now, who are a charity who have been affected by cancer and so decided to try to help others. STLFT helps by providing gifts and experiences to to families and cancer patients which have been donated by gifts and businesses.

They succeeded, and since 2015, Something to Look Forward To has been a registered charity which has helped to improve the lives of thousands of families of cancer patients across the UK.

A Massive Success

Something To Look Forward To has achieved massive success, and also massive recognition, as they were the winner of the Special Achievement Award at the 2018 National Lottery Winner Awards.

The founder, Fiona, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, just like the founder of ATW, Emma, which is why helping others is so important to Emma. This is why Emma and Acupuncture That Works have donated Acupuncture sessions, in order to offer holistic therapies to cancer sufferers.

Under the Guy Protocol, details of which can be found here, it was found that regular Acupuncture sessions have been found to be effective on patients using Tamoxifen in helping to reduce the side effects of hot flushes.

Acupuncture That Works is proud to be linked with a charity such as Something To Look Forward To, and we hope to be able to support them for many years to come.

Acupuncture That Works Grows Again!

March 13, 2019August 12, 2019 ATWAcupuncture

Nadine Tallis - Acupuncturist - Acupuncture That Works — Nadine Tallis

ATW would like to welcome Nadine Tallis, our new Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practioner, specialising in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Nadine has a 1st Class Honours BSc Degree in Acupuncture with over 400 hours in clinic. Nadine comes to us from The Cheshire Tao.

Additionally, Nadine has a Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies, including Aromatherapy, Reflexology, and Massage & Facial Massage, as well as being a Reiki Practioner and also being an accredited member of the FHT.

Nadine comes from a strong marketing and legal background, but she left her career in 2013 in order to care for her mother who had unfortunately just received a lung cancer diagnosis.

Due to this, Nadine decided to retrain in Acupuncture so as to be able to help other people who are suffering with the symptoms of cancer.

Nadine used a multi-therapeutic approach to help her clients. She combines the seven principles and the five elements, microsystems, Korean, electric acupuncture and moxibustion.

Nadine specialises in chronic pain and illness management, depression, anxiety and mental wellbeing, stress management and issues with addiction.

New Massage Therapist at Acupuncture That Works

February 6, 2019August 12, 2019 ATWAcupuncture

Acupuncture That Works welcomes our new Massage Therapist Amanda North

Amanda North - Massage Therapist
Amanda discovered that having regular deep tissue massages was thoroughly beneficial to her wellbeing, and that is helped her recover after she suffered a major burnout during her career as a senior buyer. After recovering, Amanda decided to focus on becoming a fully qualified Massage Therapist.

Since gaining her massage therapy qualification, Amanda has expanded her repertoire to offer a more holistic range to her clients, which includes:
Deep Tissue Massage, Chinese Cupping Therapy, Restorative foot and Hand Massage, Reflexology, Head Neck and Shoulder Massage, Sinus Drainage, Ear Candling, Lymphatic Drainage, Hot Stone Therapy.