What conditions is acupuncture good for?

Many people in Bristol have sought help with some of the conditions below. Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting Dental pain Fibromyalgia Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines Labor pain Lower back pain Neck pain Osteoarthritis Menstrual cramps Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis Tennis elbow

What is the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?

In acupressure, manual pressure using parts of the hands such as fingertips is applied to the acupoints. Pressure can also be applied using elbows, knuckles, forearm etc. In acupuncture, this pressure is applied using extremely thin needles that are strategically placed on certain parts of your body.

Expert Acupuncture Services in Bristol

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?

It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as the acupuncturist adjusts the needle. This sensation is known as deqi. Lots of patients describe it as good pain or a dull ache. If you do feel in any discomfort please inform your acupuncturist who will able to adjust or remove that particular needle. Acupuncture needles are so fine that many people don’t feel them being inserted. While the needles are in place, many people feel relaxed.

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.

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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

Free Consultation in Bristol

Book a free 15-minute consultation and tell us about your issues. We’ll ask about your medical history and lifestyle to find the source of the problem. If we feel acupuncture will help you, we’ll schedule an appointment.

Physical Examination

If necessary, one of our professional acupuncturists in Bristol will examine the problem areas. Then we’ll explain our findings and suggest a customised acupuncture treatment plan.

Acupuncture

Our therapist will use specialist acupuncture techniques to target specific problems to achieve the desired outcome. Insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body can help increase blood flow, release tension and relieve pain.

After Care

We recommend drinking plenty of water after acupuncture to hydrate and help flush out toxins. We offer advice on practical steps you can take at home between treatments to aid recovery and achieve your desired results.

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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What is a deep tissue massage?

A deep tissue massage is a longer process of getting the muscles to relax so the massage therapist can get to the lower layer of connective tissue. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues.
Does a deep tissue massage help with lower back pain?

Back pain can have many different causes but if your back pain is muscular in origin then deep tissue massage can be effective in releasing tension, improve movement and reduce pain. In addition, I will suggest exercises after the session to get you back to health asap.
Is it okay to get a deep tissue massage regularly?

Are you someone who works out regularly but only occasionally, if at all, gets a massage? If so, you are doing your body, and your workouts, a disservice. Anyone who works out four or more times each week should really include a deep tissue massage every two weeks. If not, your muscles will be tight and your workouts will suffer.
What are the benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage?

Goals of Deep Tissue Massage: Reduce pain, Improve posture, Increase flexibility and perception of looseness, Improve fluidity of movement, Restore metabolic status of tissue.
Where are you located?

We offer deep tissue massage in Bristol in Cotham and Clifton. Find out more about our Bristol locations and prices.