Woman lying on treatment table having acupuncture treatment. 21 Dec 2023

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog / Uncategorised

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Navigating Seasonal Burnout
Woman lying on treatment table having acupuncture treatment.

‘Tis the season! Celebrations and gatherings. Rich food and drink. Coupled with a long school term and the approach of winter solstice with it’s long nights and short days. Exhaustion and burnout on the horizon.

This is my experience as a mother with a young child at school. As an acupuncturist treating children and adults. As an observer of the world.

How can we better look after ourselves? I believe it helps to have an appreciation for nature and its immense influence over us. For the dark seasons, short days and long cold nights, there’s an opposition between the need to rest, to hibernate and the expectation to work and play a little harder. 

Teachers, mothers and fathers of young children, teenagers – whoever you are that is pulled by these opposing forces – be gentle with yourself and the little ones you care for. Listen to your intuition.

Perhaps take the time to reenergise and connect by being out in nature. Ideally first thing in the morning… Check out this insightful podcast from the Live Better podcast with Dr Chatterjee and Andrew Huberman: “Exposure to morning light is key to optimum human functioning Ideally first thing in the morning.”

And finally, although it’s a cliche and hard during the festivities, try to eat well including a diverse array of plant foods and warm meals to counteract the cold. I can recommend @ZOE for tips on healthier eating habits and delicious recipes.

Wishing you a rest and rejuvenation 🙂

Man lying down with needles at acupuncture points BL2 Zan Zhu and LI20 Ying Xiang for hay fever. 20 Nov 2023

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog

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Affordable Acupuncture for Everyone

Man lying down with needles at acupuncture points BL2 Zan Zhu and LI20 Ying Xiang for hay fever.Affordable Acupuncture

It can sometimes feel difficult to be positive with all of the doom and gloom, wars and the cost if living crisis to name but a few… stress levels increase and chronic illness abounds. As the NHS struggles with a growing number of patients with multiple and chronic health conditions, there is huge scope for registered acupuncturists to be a part of the solution.

I’ve been thinking for some time about the best way to make acupuncture treatments affordable and accessible for all.

Introducing Sliding Scale Acupuncture Treatments

My standard charge for each appointment is £55 as this covers not only my time, but also my outgoings (e.g. needles, hygiene equipment, heating costs to name a few).

I do however recognise that times are tough, and I have therefore put together a pricing structure of your to pay what you can afford.

£55 if you can afford to and I will be very grateful 🙂

If this price proves a barrier to you receiving treatment then I can be flexible down to £50 or £45 to help you get the care you need when you need it. You will receive exactly the same treatment.

In the Works: Low Cost Multi-bed Clinic

This brings me to my next idea – a multibed clinic, where several patients are treated together at the same time in a large room. It means acupuncture treatments are much more affordable (roughly £20 per treatment for about 40 mins of treatment).

Initially I would run the clinic for anyone experiencing chronic pain, however in the future this would extend to mental health too. But I need YOUR help!

Do you know of any locations in and around St Neots with a large room, able to fit at least 3 treatment tables, and with storage for those treatment tables (the portable fold-down type).

Do you know of anyone selling an old portable treatment tables?

Your help would be greatly appreciated!

A girl lying on a treatment couch having acupuncture. 10 Oct 2023

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog / Conditions

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Helping Children with Anxiety: a case study
A girl lying on a treatment couch having acupuncture.

 

Treating children’s mental health is something I am particularly passionate about having had firsthand experience. 1 in 6 young people in England (aged 5 to 16) experienced a mental health problem in 2020, increasing from 1 in 9 in 2017 (NHS Digital, 2020).

Have you ever considered acupuncture treatment for children? Perhaps the idea of using needles on your precious one is a worry for you. However, acupuncture has been found to be safer than many drugs and other procedures used in the treatment of children (Jindal, et al 2008). 

As a mother of a 5 year old with a needle phobia, I can assure you that a) the needles are painless and gentle and  b) needles aren’t always necessary. We can use alternatives such as tapping and stroking of acupuncture points with special devices developed for the treatment of children.

The following case study refers to 8-year-old Kiera, treated by acupuncturist Sahar Hooti BSc (Hons) for anxiety. Kiera presented to her GP with debilitating digestive issues, which after several clinical appointments and investigations left her GP and paediatrician confused. She was diagnosed with IBS – although as a child she is considered too young for this formal diagnosis – and advised that she would grow out of it.

Kiera’s mum Louise was desperate to help her daughter as the condition was affecting school attendance and many areas of her life. Louise’s sister suggested she try acupuncture. Kiera’s paediatrician was also an advocate of acupuncture.

Louise says of their acupuncturist: “Sahar seemed able to identify, unpick and ultimately, treat, the emotional aspects of Keira’s condition. So, as well as helping to ‘clear’ her anxiety issues, we started to see real improvements in her physical symptoms, too.” 

Of her treatment Kiera says, “For me, it has definitely changed my life.” 

You can read the full case study here: Anxiety case study.

As the above case study shows, anxiety and many other mental health issues can have a physical component too. This is something that acupuncture is great at identifying and treating. Individual symptoms are part of a bigger picture, involving many aspects of health.

As a mother I understand how to engage and listen to a child; how it can be scary for them; how to speak to them with empathy, respect and with language they can understand. I treat my children’s sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, night terrors), tummy aches linked to constipation and loose stools and teething pains to name but a few. I have treated children in my clinic for digestive issues, anxiety and pain. 

Can you think of anything acupuncture could help your children with? Do you have any questions about treatment?

For a free no obligations phone consultation please email or call me to book a time. You can find more information about paediatric acupuncture here.

Blade of grass with pollen allergen 01 Jul 2023

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog / Conditions

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Can acupuncture help hay fever sufferers?
Blade of grass with pollen allergen

 

It’s that time of year again – hay fever season is upon us

Some of us have already been suffering from various tree pollens, others may just be starting to feel the effects of grass and weed pollen. If you suffer with seasonal allergic rhinitis it’s a good idea to check a pollen calendar for your area, such as this one which looks at pollen counts here in the East of England and across the country.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is the most common immunological disease affecting 10–15% of children and 26% of adults in the UK (GK Scadding et al, 2017). Allergies such as seasonal allergic rhinitis can make life miserable and should not be underestimated. Risk of depression in allergic rhinitis suffers (including perennial allergic rhinitis) is between 20 – 40% (Mou, Ya-Kui et al, 2022). Allergic rhinitis can trigger depression (Nian-Sheng Tzeng et al, 2018).

With hay fever on the rise, apparently having trebled in the last 20 years (Lee, 2003) you may be wondering what you can do if you wish to avoid the many symptoms associated with this illness?

Acupuncture may be helpful

Recent clinical trials have shown that acupuncture is effective in the symptomatic treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis (Xue CC et al, 2007).  Acupuncture leads to clinically relevant and persistent benefits when used alongside routine care (Brinkhaus B et al, 2008). In the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis in children, acupuncture was effective in reducing symptom free days, and more effective than sham acupuncture (Ng DK et al, 2004).

The results from systematic reviews are mixed. A review looking at ear acupuncture for allergic rhinitis found it was as effective as body acupuncture in the short term, and more effective than antihistamines in the long term. However, due to the low quality of research the benefits are unknown (Zhang CS et al, 2010). Another review found efficacy for perennial but not seasonal rhinitis (Lee MS et al. 2009). A review from Xiao L et al, 2009 review found acupuncture and moxibustion to be effective. However due to the low quality of research a firm conclusion could not be drawn. And one more review was unable to draw firm conclusion due to insufficient evidence (Roberts J et al, 2008).

 

 

Log cabin treatment room for acupuncture treatment 10 Jan 2023

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog / St Neots

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St Neots Acupuncture Clinic Open :)
Log cabin treatment room for acupuncture and massage
Treatment Room is located in Eaton Ford, St Neots on the Cambridgeshire Bedfordshire border.

I am excited to be back from maternity leave. I am currently taking acupuncture bookings for Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Eaton Ford St Neots clinic. The clinic is a purpose built log cabin, which is accessed from the garden with its own private entrance. I have worked to create a tranquil and comfortable space – I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do!

Whilst away I have made a wonderful little girl, now 9 months old. I have also completed a course in scalp acupuncture, which I use alongside traditional acupuncture when called for. I am currently undertaking a paediatric acupuncture course too, so if you have children watch this space.

I look forward to treating you in 2023 🙂

Acupuncture needles inserted on shoulder and upper arm.

Schedule an Appointment

Woman leaning against a wall and massage ball. 09 May 2020

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog / Conditions

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Managing Painful Back, Neck and Shoulders
Acupressure massage for painful shoulders using a tennis ball

Back pain? Stiff neck? Painful shoulders? These problems seem to be affecting many people now, and it is no surprise. As many attempt to work from home due to coronavirus your desk set-up may be less than perfect. A combination of poor posture, incorrect desk set-up and insufficient breaks all lead to pain.

You can read about the correct ergonomics for desk work in a blog I wrote about acupuncture, massage and posture for neck, shoulder and back pain. If you work from a laptop and do not have a laptop riser, why not use a stack of books to raise your screen up to eye level? If you can, invest in an external keyboard and mouse if using a laptop. A height adjustable chair is also important.

GB20 is located under the occipital in the tender depression between the muscles
GB20 Fengchi

There are two acupuncture points which I find vital for neck and back pain, and both can be massaged by using a tennis ball, or other hard ball. GB20 Fengchi and GB21 Jianjing:

GB20 Fengchi is located below the occipital bone, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and trapezius muscle.

GB21 Jianjing is located at the highest and most tender point of the shoulder, between the spine and tip of the shoulder.

To use acupressure on these points, lean back against a wall with a tennis ball between you and the wall (see image at top). Push gently, release and repeat. To access GB21 start by standing side on and leaning into a wall and tennis ball. Then roll the ball down the back by turning 45 degrees. You can apply static pressure or roll on the ball, but do not roll on the spine.

Acupuncture point GB21 is located on the top of the shoulder
GB21 Jianjing

Yoga postures I often recommend for back pain are Cat Pose and Cow Pose. If you’re used to yoga, you can flow from one into the other and repeat as many times as you like, articulating through each vertebra as you transition.

I hope these tips will help you to manage any pain you are experiencing. Do you want more advice on this issue? I am currently offering online appointments via Zoom. Contact me to find out more.

Acupressure massage can be used in place of acupuncture for online appointments 22 Apr 2020

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog

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Online Acupuncture

ONLINE ACUPUNCTURE: ACUPRESSURE, DIET, EXERCISE AND LIFESTYLE ADVICE

Acupressure massage can be used in place of acupuncture for online appointments

Acupuncture without needles?

Acupuncture is more than the insertion of needles. It involves a diagnosis based on your symptoms and the acupuncturist’s observations. From this basis we formulate an acupuncture point prescription plus specific dietary, exercise and lifestyle advice.
Online acupuncture sessions will consist of the above, with the acupuncture point prescription being demonstrated by me and administered with acupressure and massage. 

The virtual session was so much better than I imagined and the way you explained everything was so clear. I have already started with the massage techniques and the yoga and there already seems to be a small improvement.

Feedback from Joanne Moore

You can find out more about online acupuncture treatment here, including information on fees and concessions.

Person having acupuncture on their face for hay fever. 06 Apr 2020

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog / Conditions

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Using Acupressure Points for Hay Fever
Man with acupuncture needles on his face for treatment of hayfever.

Coronavirus may be stalling our lives somewhat, but nature continues to bloom into spring. As it does, the pollen count rises and back come the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Many of you have asked about acupuncture for hay fever, so here are some points you can use with acupressure.

It’s worth noting that hay fever can be very stubborn, so if you find this treatment unhelpful, please do not despair. Come along for an acupuncture treatment when things return to normal, as it’s a stronger intervention than acupressure as so more likely to bring relief.

I have briefly covered this topic already. You can read more about allergic rhinitis and acupuncture here. Please note that as well as having a course of acupuncture when the symptoms arise, you can have treatment in the winter months to strengthen the body in preparation for the following season.

There are many acupuncture points we could and these depend on your presenting symptoms and underlying health. However today we will cover a few general points to help with the symptoms of itchy eyes, runny nose or congestion, headache and sore throat.

Man lying down with needles at acupuncture points BL2 Zan Zhu and LI20 Ying Xiang for hay fever.
BL2 Zan Zhu and LI20 Ying Xiang

Each of these points is located bilaterally (on both sides of the body). When using acupressure (finger pressure) please follow these instructions:
Apply downward pressure to the point with thumb or finger for a few seconds. Release and then reapply as many times as you would like. Be sure not to hyperextend the thumb or finger joints.

BL2 Zan Zhu is located at the medial end of each eyebrow. A great point for redness, pain and swelling of the eye.

LI20 Ying Xiang is located at the midpoint either side of the nostrils, in the nasolabial groove (the line than forms when you smile). Great for congestion and sneezing.

A foot with acupuncture needle at LR2 and a hand with acupuncture needle at LI4 for hay fever.
LI4 He Gu and LR2 Xing Jian

LI4 He Gu is located on the hand between the thumb and first finger Squeeze these together and at the highest point of the bulge of muscle you will find this point. Useful for painful swelling and reddening of the eyes, sore throat and headache.

LR2 Xing Jian is located on the feet between the first and second toe, half a thumb’s width from the margin of the web. For red swollen and painful eyes and throat pain.

Questions? Comments? Please contact me: hello@sunnyjaspal.com

Person's face with acupuncture needle in acu point Yin Tang, between the eyebrows. 02 Apr 2020

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog

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Creating a Nurturing Practice at Home
Person's face with acupuncture needle in acu point Yin Tang, between the eyebrows.

During these Corona times while we are unable to come together for treatment, I wanted to give you some ideas on how you can replicate the peacefulness that comes from an acupuncture session. And the health benefits of acupressure on acupuncture points, so that you continue to work on whatever issue you were having treatment for.

This week I wanted to share a Yoga Nidra recording with you. Many of you know that I am a fan of Yoga Nidra and often recommend doing this practice daily to help with maintenance of stress, anxiety and depression. In these strange times we are living through there has never been a greater need for this. Yoga Nidra or yogic sleep is a form of guided meditation that takes place lying down. I have been enjoying the free downloads from the Yoga Nidra Network and wanted to share one with you today titled Simply Calm – listen here.

Acupuncture Point: Yin Tang

In keeping with the yoga theme for this week, I have chosen a point that is referred to as the Third Eye, or Ajna Chakra in the yogic tradition.

Yin Tang is located midway between the medial ends of the eyebrows. This is a point I often use in treatments for its ability to calm the mind and treat insomnia. It can also be used for nasal congestion, headache and eye disorders.

Instructions for acupressure: Apply downward pressure to the point with thumb or finger for a few seconds. Release and then reapply as many times as you would like. Be sure not to hyperextend the thumb or finger joints. You should be apply to feel a pleasant sensation but no pain.

Questions? Please contact me: hello@sunnyjaspal.com

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog

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Clinics Closed – Open Online

Hello, I wanted to update you my practice during the COVID-19 outbreak.

As acupuncturists our priority is to consider the health and wellbeing of our patients, and to make sure we do all we can to prevent the spread of this pandemic. Clinics will therefore be closed until things return to normal.

However, if you have a pressing concern please do contact me. Phone/video consulations are available with advice given in the form of acupressure, diet and exercise.

Thank you for your understanding. Stay safe, stay connected and stay postive 🙂