Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a tradition built around the concept of Qi — the body’s vital energy.
How acupuncture works
Acupuncture sits within the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), in which health is understood through the movement of Qi, or energy, through the body. When this flow is disturbed, symptoms may follow. Acupuncture works with that system by placing very fine needles into specific points on the body, with the aim of restoring balance.
Each treatment is individual. What is done in the clinic depends on your own case history, your pulse and your tongue, rather than on a fixed protocol for a named condition.
Most people find the treatment very relaxing and often fall asleep during a session.
Acupuncture is part of the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a tradition built around the concept of Qi, the body's vital energy. When this flow is disturbed, symptoms may follow. Practising at a qualified acupuncturist clinic in Edinburgh, treatment involves placing very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body with the aim of restoring balance and encouraging the body's own natural healing response. Many people feel apprehensive about their first appointment, particularly those who are dealing with needles for the first time, so time is taken to talk through the process, answer questions and explain what to expect before any treatment begins.
Supportive acupuncture care may be offered alongside fertility treatment such as IVF, IUI and ICSI, as well as for conditions including endometriosis, PCOS and male factor infertility, and for egg or sperm donation journeys. The wider clinic also addresses sports injuries, arthritis and general pain, with the aim of helping clients feel more comfortable, relaxed and reassured in body and mind. Some clients are referred by consultants or other health professionals, and the approach is always practical, unhurried and tailored to individual needs.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis in TCM involves taking the pulse and examining the tongue. Both give the practitioner information about how your energy is moving and where it may be stuck or weak.
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What a first visit involves
Case history
Much like seeing a GP, a full case history is taken — your symptoms, health and background are discussed in detail.
Pulse & tongue
Pulse taking and tongue examination complete the TCM diagnosis before any needles are placed.
Individual treatment
A treatment plan is chosen for you and your presentation, drawing on the specialist clinics I run.
Specialist clinics
The principles described here are applied across the specialist clinics in the practice, each focused on a particular area of health:
- Fertility
- Women’s Health
- Pain, Arthritis & Sports Injuries
- PCOS Clinic
- Pregnancy and Post-pregnancy
- General Practice
Further reading on the wider practice is available at www.acupuncture.com.
General practice
People seek help with not only physical, but also emotional and mental disorders, the most common being stress and anxiety. Read about the general practice and how traditional evidence is applied to a wide range of conditions.
Pain, arthritis & sports injuries · Fertility support · Contact the clinic
Arrange an appointment
For an appointment please call 0131 629 1529 or email enquiries@rachaelforrest.com. The clinic is at The Albany Street Clinic, 36a Albany Street, Edinburgh EH1 3QH, with hours on Tuesday 10am – 8pm and Thursday 10am – 8pm.
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