Acupuncture at The Bay Therapy Centre, West Bridgford, Nottingham

What is acupuncture?

What is acupuncture?

Traditional acupuncture uses the insertion of very fine needles and moxibustion (the burning of a herb called moxa) to help regulate and balance a person’s qi (life force or energy). These pathways create an energy through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.

An acupuncturist will take your medical history, read your pulses, may examine the site of your symptoms, and look at your tongue. The acupuncturist will decide which combination of points is right for your whole body as well as your symptoms.

Sometimes acupuncture needles are inserted for just a second or two, or you may be left to rest for a while before the needles are removed. The needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as your acupuncturist adjusts the needle. Many people feel deeply relaxed during the treatment.

Acupuncture can therefore help with a wide range of issues:

Digestive issues (Gastritis, Irritable bowel syndrome, Hepatitis, Haemorrhoids)
Emotional issues (Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Nervousness, Neurosis)
Ear-Nose-&Throat (Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Sore throat)
Gynaecological Problems()Menstrual pain, fertility
Musculo-skeletal (Arthritis, pain, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain and weakness, Sciatica)
Neurological (Headaches, Migraines, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, Post-operative pain, Stroke)
Respiratory (Allergic rhinitis, Sinusitis, Bronchitis)
Other conditions: Irritable bladder, Prostatitis, Male infertility, some forms of impotence, addiction

Yvonne Sommer

Yvonne has been practising in West Bridgford, Nottingham ever since qualifying from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM), Reading in 2002. She treats patients with a variety of issues and concerns and particularly enjoys helping them with issues of fertility.

Yvonne is also a practising veterinary surgeon – in fact it was the realisation that acupuncture works so convincingly in her furry patients which convinced her to study human acupuncture.

Since 2002, she has also been teaching conventional medicine application at the CICM acupuncture college in Reading.

As you can see, there is never a dull moment in her week.

Yvonne’s Specialisms

As acupuncture represents a complete health system, it can be used for any issues and conditions. It can bring tremendous relief in several types of pain and discomfort, but also works on a much deeper, less physical level. As the Chinese medicine approach looks beyond the labels we are given by conventional medicine, it can find a treatment for the most unusual and difficult conditions.

As mentioned above, Yvonne particularly enjoys fertility work and has helped several couples to overcome the hurdles to having a successful pregnancy. She is grateful and astonished every time how acupuncture can help achieve this most wonderful of goals.

Yvonne’s Approach to Therapy & How She Works

Yvonne’s study at CICM Reading has enabled her to use Five Element Acupuncture alongside Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. This allows her to approach any issues and conditions from a variety of angles, tailored to the individual patient and their needs. It also means that she will take a very comprehensive health history, even if you just come to her with tennis elbow!

Her treatment will involve the gentle insertion of needles in points on the entire body, depending on the treatment plan. You’ll get to lie down and relax for about 10 minutes whilst the needles do all the work. Weekly treatments are usually required for most conditions, with a review at every session to determine the progress and agree on future plans.

Yvonne practises on a Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoon and evening and will endeavour to fit you in within a week or two for the initial 90 minute appointment. Follow up sessions are 60 minutes long to allow for a catch up, treatment and further planning to help you along your path to health.

Nicola Price : Healing Points Acupuncture

I have been practicing Acupuncture for over 22 years after qualifying from The Northern College of Acupuncture in 1997. I had acupuncture treatments regularly for 4 years before deciding to train.

It really improved the quality of my health in many ways. I slept better, I had more energy as well as reduced anxiety and stress levels.

I enjoy meeting people and helping clients improve their health issues. Traditional Chinese Medicine treats each person as an individual and a complete history is taken at the first session before treatment begins, so I can gain an understanding of your overall health. Acupuncture is part of an ancient system of Chinese Medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat a range of conditions and symptoms that can affect our physical health and emotional wellbeing. Acupuncture is suitable for all ages and can be used alongside conventional medicine. I am a Reflexologist and have been practicing for 9 years. The whole of the body is mapped out on the feet therefore many health conditions and ailments can be treated with Reflexology foot massage. It helps to promote relaxation, wellbeing and cleanse the body internally.

Acupuncture helps treat: Acne, Asthma, Eczema, Hay-fever, Colds, Sinusitis, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Bell’s Palsy, Arthritis, Body pain, Back pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Sciatica, Tennis elbow, Carpal Tunnel, Sports injuries, Fibromyalgia, Blood pressure issues, Headaches, Long COVID, Migraines, Insomnia, Fatigue, Menstrual issues, Fertility issues, P.C.O.S, Menopause, Viral fatigue, Digestive issues, IBS, Colitis, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Diabetes. It can also aid weight loss, stopping smoking and labour induction.

I can be very flexible as to appointment time; I work Monday to Saturday and I’m happy to see people in the evening (Monday to Thursday).

Anne-Marie Betts: Acupuncture

Anne-Marie is a graduate from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, (CICM), Reading. She practices both 5-element Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. During her time in the student clinic, she treated a variety of issues such as; musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, depression, helping to improve sleep, digestive issues, alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy and hayfever. She has a particular interest in using acupuncture to help people improve their mental health. First appointments will last 1.5 hours. During this time you will discuss your main complaint that you want to address through acupuncture and review your full health history. Your pulse and tongue will be assessed to help form a diagnosis. You will then receive acupuncture at the end of your first appointment.