Acupuncture
A growing body of evidence-based clinical research is discovering how the body responds to acupuncture and its benefits for a wide range of common health conditions. Acupuncture is recommended by the NHS for pain, headaches, migraine (www.nhs.uk/conditions/acupuncture). In clinic other issues such as insomnia, fertility, anxiety and depression also often present.
Many people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains such as osteoarthitis, TMJ pain, low back pain or for common health problems like an overactive bladder. Other people choose acupuncture when they can feel their bodily functions are out of balance but have no obvious western medical diagnosis leading to no western medical treatment. Many also have regular treatments simply because they find it beneficial and relaxing.
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional medicine that has been practised in China and the far east for thousands of years. It has been developed, tested, researched and refined over this time into a treatment option accessed by increasing numbers of patients in the West. Without the benefit of modern scientific equipment, the first acupuncturists discovered many now familiar aspects of biomedical science.
The focus for a traditional acupuncturist is on the patient as an individual and not just their specific illness and all symptoms are seen as part of an interconnected pattern. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points which are said to affect the flow of your bodys qi, or vital energy, although there is ongoing research and studyy that suggests what many poractitioners already know: that inserting needles into the channels (or meridians) affects change within the human body, and the term 'energy' is rather simplistic.
Patients often present in clinic with multiple presentations including:
- Headaches and Migraine
- Digestive Health - IBS, Acid Reflux, GERD, Abnormal Appetite, Constipation
- Sinus, Throat Issues, Long Covid, Hay Fever.
- Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Trauma, Insomnia, Tinnitus
- Fatigue, M.E., Fibromyalgia
- Prostrate issues, Incontinence
- Menopause and Menstrual Cycle Issues- Hot flushes, Night Sweats, Tiredness, Muscle Pains, Brain Fog and Memory Issues, Irregular and Painful Periods, PMS.
- Fertility- Male Fertility, Endometriosis, PCOS
- Autoimmune issues- Thyroid health
- Chronic Pain Conditions - Arthritis, Back, Shoulder and Neck Pain, Sciatica,
- TMJ, Joint and Muscle Pain
Patients often report in addition improvement in “other” or “secondary” issues as sessions continue.
Your initial visit will take up to an hour and consists of a personal and medical consultation covering your family history, lifestyle, systems functions (eg. sleep, appetite) and full details of your current complaint/s and any tests or investigations that you may have had. You will also have the opportunity to discuss in complete confidence any concerns or troubles you may currently be dealing with. After your consultation I will carry out a number of short, non-invasive physical diagnostic tests inclduing blood pressure, temperature distribution and pulse taking. In most cases, aside from the most complex, this is then followed by your first treatment. Subsequent appointments take up to one hour and include discussion of your progress and your treatment to date.
Many patients are concerned that acupuncture may be painful, but as the needles are flexible and about as thick as two human hairs, there is usually only a very slight sensation as it enters the skin. Sometimes patients also feel a dull ache on the acupuncture point but this also only lasts for a few seconds and is generally not considered to be uncomfortable. Many find acupuncture relaxing and feel very calm during and after treatment; you ay also feel a little tired or sleepy so if possible, try to arrange a relatively restful and quiet day, especially for your first treatment.
Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments currently on offer in the UK, in fact in 2001 a number of studies concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. Any minor side effects that do occur, such as dizziness or bruising around needle points, are infrequent, mild and self-correcting. To see more information regarding the safety of acupuncture please visit the British Acupuncture Councils website (https://acupuncture.org.uk)
Jane is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) which is the leading self-regulatory body for the practice of traditional acupuncture in the UK. It is a member-led organisation, governed by an elected Governing Board and driven by a specialist staff team.
They provide members with a wide range of services to facilitate practice and ensure the highest standards. Their responsibilities include:
- maintaining the highest professional standards of practice for acupuncture in the UK
- overseeing and accrediting acupuncture education to ensure excellence in training
- funding evidence-based clinical research on the benefits of tradtional acupuncture
As a member, Jane is bound by the Councils stringent Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Traditional Acupuncturist
Jane Brockbank BA (Hons), LicAc, MBAcC
Jane graduated from The Acupuncture Academy in 2023 and was awarded a Distinction for her Professional Licentiate in Acupuncture, which is a three year degree level qualification accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board where she was highly commended for her clinical work. Janes training was extensive and covered all aspects of Chinese medical and acupuncture theory, with a focus on the five element approach where your practitioner considers your main health problem, together with a holistic approach to you as an individual. Jane also undertook a specialist short course in Chinese Dietary and Herbal Theory at The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, Reading. She has completed and continues to undertake various postgraduate courses in areas as varied as Cancer care, Menopause, Musculo- skeletal problems and supporting Neurodiversity. Prior to joining Belmont House Clinic, Jane worked in her own clinic in Portishead. Since December 2023 she has also been working for two days a week at Cowan House in Weston Super-Mare.
Jane is a fully licensed and insured member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) (www.acupuncture.org.uk), the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care and is working in accordance with their codes of Professional Conduct and Safe Practice. This also means her treatments are recognised by most insurance companies. Please check with your insurance provider before booking a session.
Jane held a variety of management roles in Education prior tomoving to the West Country in 2012 when starting a family. She has always held a very firm interest in complementary health, healthy eating and practises yoga, kettlebell training and qigong in her spare time. She lives with her husband and two boys plus three cats in Portishead.
Jane works with us on a Monday afternoon with evening appointments available.
All sessions are priced at £60 for 45 minutes to an hour.
Once clients have booked a session, Jane offers a 15-20 minute free of charge diagnostic phone conversation. This allows her to diagnose efficiently and practise safely and experience has found that this allows clients to relax into the session once in the treatment room.
