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Expert Acupuncture Services in Bristol

Bristol Acupuncture

Improve Your Health and Wellbeing with Acupuncture

Having Acupuncture treatment in Bristol involves fine needles being inserted through the skin and briefly left in position.

Acupuncture in Bristol

As an experienced acupuncturist with over 10 years of experience, I am proud to offer my Bristol acupuncture services through my business, Ben Tolson Therapies. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health conditions, and it remains a safe and effective treatment option today.

It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, which helps to stimulate the flow of energy and promote healing. It is a natural and effective way to address a variety of health concerns, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, fertility issues, digestive problems, and more.

At Ben Tolson Therapies, I take a holistic approach to healthcare. I believe that the mind, body, and spirit are all interconnected, and that in order to achieve optimal health and wellbeing, all aspects of a person’s being must be addressed. When you book a session with me, I will take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a customised treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

Whether you are struggling with a chronic health condition, or simply looking to improve your overall health and wellbeing, acupuncture can be a valuable tool in your healthcare arsenal. With my extensive training and experience, you can trust that you are in good hands when you choose Ben Tolson Therapies in Bristol.

Benefits of Acupuncture

From having acupuncture myself and from my clinical experience in Bristol for over 10 years I have found that it helps with a wide range of conditions such as:

Restore, promote and maintain good health

Treat existing pain, illnesses and injuries

Prevent both recurrence of illnesses and new illness

Establish equilibrium within the body

Get you back to health as quickly as possible

Suggest lifestyle, dietary or exercise advice as appropriate

If you are interested in learning more about my services, or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I would be honoured to help you on your journey towards better health and wellbeing.

Sometimes manual or low voltage electrical stimulation is applied to assist the process which is especially useful in chronic tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and chronic musculoskeletal problems.

The number of needles varies but may be only two or three. I have been an acupuncturist in Bristol for over 10 years and have a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Acupuncture from the University of Kingston in the UK after studying for 3 and a half years at the College of Chinese Integrated Medicine. 

I will assess each patient’s case and treatment will be tailored to your individual needs. Each consultation with look at how we can best treat you. Sometimes we only need 2 -3 needles, some times more. Needles are often left in for 2 to 30 minutes.

How does Acupuncture work?

This is a question I get asked daily. Most people are curious about how it works. 

Western biomedical understanding

There is no one western theory that can account for all of the benefits that acupuncture can provide but there are certain biochemical/physical responses that can account for some of its effects. Essentially acupuncture is a system of medicine that aims to help the body heal itself. Modern research shows it can affect most of the body’s systems – the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone outputs, circulation, antibody production, and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Here are some of the ways it can help:

  • Increases opiod release the bodies, natural pain killers

  • Increases muscular movement. Better lubrication of joints and a reduction in joint inflammation.

  • Reduces anxiety and stress keeping Cholecystokinin (a chemical within the body, which restricts the good effects of endogenous opioids.

  • Enhances Immune System response – Immune System = Defence

  • Increases Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and raises cortisol levels which have anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Needles placed near the site of pain or in tender points (trigger points) produce an analgesia effect.

  • Gate theory- acupuncture prohibits the passage of stronger pain signals along the nervous system producing an analgesic effect.

  • Small sample MRI scans indicate that acupuncture may decrease brain activity associated with the perception of pain.

Traditional Understanding

Traditional acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined for centuries. The focus is on the individual, not their illness, and all the symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Illness, therefore, is seen as a manifestation of the person’s whole health.

According to Chinese theory, our health and well-being is dependent on the body’s vital energy (known as Qi), moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin. The energy of a person’s body is distributed along 12 main acupuncture channels which run up and down the body connecting the different organs of the body and linking different parts of the body with one another creating a living interconnecting network that can be easily accessed. The acupuncturist taps into the network of meridians and guides the body to begin its own healing process.

In treatment, a fine, single-use, sterile, stainless steel needle is inserted just below the surface of the skin to stimulate acupuncture points lying along the acupuncture channels which run throughout the body to stimulate or unblock the flow of energy, restoring balance and triggering the body’s natural healing response. Health is seen as a state of physical, mental, social and community well-being accompanied by freedom from illness or pain.

Our Process

Why Choose Ben Tolson?

Ben is one of the premier acupuncturists in Bristol, with over 10 years' experience treating people with a range of conditions. He is highly qualified in a variety of other therapies and prides himself on taking a holistic approach to your recovery. After years of extensive studying and practice, his extensive knowledge in acupuncture allows him to quickly diagnose problems and offer effective treatment. Our patients are at the centre of what we do. We are rated 5 stars for our effective treatments, professional service, and clear communication. Check out our testimonials to see what they say about us.

"I went to Ben with a slightly apprehensive attitude to acupuncture, unsure if it would help me - but willing to try anything after years of problematic shoulder tension. He made me feel very at ease and happy with the procedure and the results were just amazing - within a moderately small amount of treatments my shoulder is feeling 10x better. Thank you!"

Sian

Acupuncture Pricing

Get a free no-obligation consultation before you book a treatment to see if it’s right for you.

It’s only £50 for your first session and £45 for follow-up sessions.

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Our Bristol Locations

0117 287 2041

bentolson@yahoo.com

Cotham Chiropractic Clinic

Address:
Cotham Chiropractic Clinic

3 Cotham Road
Bristol
BS6 6DG

Availability:
Mon 09:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wed 09:00 am – 7:00 pm
Fri 09:00 am – 7:00 pm

Comfort Health, Clifton

Address:

Comfort Health,

Alma Vale Road,

Clifton

​BS8 2HL

Availability:

Thurs 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Please see Comfort Health website for booking

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