Acupuncture and TCM
Your First Visit - The Resident Acupuncturist - What is Acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine - Who and Why? - Testimonials
The Iffley Acupuncture Clinic offers a comprehensive range of therapies including acupuncture, Tui Na massage, Chinese herbal medicine, and also health education in Chinese dietary therapy, nutrition, lifestyle and health promotion.
Situated on one of the main routes in Oxford, the clinic is easily accessible and is; parking is available. We operate within normal working hours but also maintain some early morning, evening and weekend appointments. Prices are competitive and adjusted according to circumstances but also reflect the quality of treatment.
Jonathan Bruce the resident practitioner has been in service since 1987. He has in turn both a long-term experience of working with a wide range of people and an in depth knowledge and understanding of how best to treat them. Jonathan is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and in turn, bound by a code of safe practice and ethics. All members of the British Acupuncture Council carry full medical malpractice and public liability insurance. Jonathan also provides both private and public tuition in Tai Chi and Chi Kung.
Arrival and Departure:
Prospective patients are advised that they should consider arriving at the clinic at least ten minutes before the start of their appointment, to ensure that that can gain the benefit five minutes rest and quiet. Not only will this support their acupuncture treatment, but also allow for a more representative pulse diagnosis to take place. Similarly patients should also consider taking time to rest in the waiting area before leaving the clinic, thereby securing greater opportunity for acupuncture to establish it’s benefits and ensuring that they can acclimatise before returning to a busy world.
Your First Visit
What will happen on my first visit and what can I expect?
Your first consultation will normally last one to one and a half hours and will include a thorough and in-depth evaluation and diagnosis, followed by your first full treatment. The diagnosis will undertaken by way of the four methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine, followed by an evaluation of any relevant western diagnoses, records or information and a physical examination when and if it is deemed appropriate .
- The first diagnostic method will be undertaken though the process of questioning or enquiry * and will involve an evaluation of your primary disharmony or concern, as well as an overall assessment of health and function in body and mind. This process is developed through the approximately twelve areas of defined questioning. (see below) and will be adapted according to your and circumstances and needs. Whilst questioning may be quite comprehensive, priority will be given to those questions that relate to your given circumstances.
- Diagnosis will also be developed through the process of observation. This will initially take place through an evaluation of the your face and body, including shape, demeanour, posture and colour, and more specifically, an inspection of your tongue. Sometimes this process will be obvious, for example when using tongue diagnosis, whilst at other times, I will be making unobtrusive observations whilst other evaluations are underway. Patients are asked not wear make-up at least on their first visit.
- The third and perhaps most famous of the diagnostic methods is palpation; in which I will evaluate the relative strength, rate and depth of the radial pulse on each wrist, and in some cases on other areas of the body. I may also palpate areas of the body to assess tenderness at acupuncture points, and also the quality of pain and relative temperatures of different parts of the body.
- Finally the last diagnostic method is hearing and smelling; the former perhaps being more significant in modern practice. As with observation, I may in the midst of other investigations listen to the quality of your voice; it’s volume and relative strength and I might also listen to underlying tone. In so doing I will be attempting to correlate this qualities with other presenting information.
*(traditionally called interrogation but I feel this term is somewhat severe).
What happens next: Your first treatment?
At the end of this first consultation I will inform you on the primary diagnosis according to TCM and try to provide an intelligible interpretation of it’s meaning. In turn, I will suggest the best route for addressing your particular problem and where possible, how long it will take before results are achieved (please see below). Whilst my primary discipline is acupuncture but I may also suggest a course of Tui Na massage and or, a course of Chinese patent herbal medicine to complement the acupuncture or massage. Patients may of course wish to utilise only one of these, although they are advised that herbs can only be administered in conjunction with acupuncture. Tui Na can be undertaken with or without acupuncture.
Acupuncture will normally be undertaken slowly and gently, and in consideration that there may be some patients who will be experiencing fear and apprehension. A combination of points will be used according to the most pressing pattern or symptom, with other combinations added when and if a patient feels sufficiently confident. The needles will be retained for approximately 10 to 25 minutes, although in some instances they may be in for longer. In younger children the needles are not retained. In some instances the session will start or finish with Tui Na but this will depend on a your condition, time available and the expectation and requests that you might make. Please be advised that when Tui Na is combined with acupuncture then more time will be allocated to subsequent appointments and will be subject to an additional fee.
The Resident Acupuncturist
Jonathan Bruce completed his first course in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine with Master Liu Hsu-Chi at the Liu Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), in Ealing London. He received a diploma in TCM and membership of the then British Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine in May 1985.
His interest in oriental medicine grew naturally from his exploration of Taijiquan and Qigong (t’ai chi ch’uan and chi kung), which he continues to practice and teach to this day. Whilst this foundation study in acupuncture and TCM was invaluable, it’s content, structure and resources reflected the relative infancy of the UK acupuncture profession in the mid 1980’s. To compensate for these shortfalls, Jonathan embarked upon a study in western medical and biological sciences, receiving an honours degree in Human Biology at the then Oxford Polytechnic in 1987. As part of his final year project/dissertation, he undertook an evaluation of the effect of acupuncture on cortisol production at the Sheik Rashid Diabetics Unit at the Radcliffe Infirmary. In 1986 he began a year-long study in Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture with Giovanni Maciocia, Julian Scott, Vivian Brown and Peter Deadman under the auspices of the Journal of Chinese Medicine, receiving a post graduate certificate on 1987. In March of the same year Jonathan gained Membership to Register of Traditional Chinese Medicine; subsequently to the British Acupuncture Council with the amalgamation of four other professional associations in June 1995. He now therefore holds the professional title of Member of the British Acupuncture Council or MBAcC.
Since this time Jonathan has continued to develop his skills and knowledge base with further training and continual professional development. He has undertaken post graduate courses in Tui Na massage at the Northern College of Acupuncture, Pregnancy and Infertility acupuncture with Zita West and Dr. Shulan Tang, the Treatment of Mental-Emotional Diseases with Giovanni Maciocia, further training in Diagnostics with Bob Flaws and Needle Technique training with Charles Buck. In 2005 he successfully completed a year long Post Graduate Training in Chinese Herbal Patent Medicine at the Integrated College of Chinese Medicine in Reading. At the same college he has attended CPD courses in Auricular acupuncture, The treatment of Neurological and Orthopaedic Conditions, Acupuncture for the Eyes, Tui Na for head, neck shoulders and face, and the Examination and treatment of the spine. He received his Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Science) from Oxford University in1997.
What is Acupuncture?
Rooted in the rich history of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to illicit healing, combat ill health and promote harmony and internal equilibrium. It is used also as preventative medicine; to help maintain health and wellbeing and to allay the onset or development of disease.
Acupuncture is subject to well-developed protocols and undertaken only after a comprehensive evaluation of a person's overall health and functioning has been undertaken. This diagnostic process provides the basis for assigning appropriate 'treatment principles', which in turn form the foundation of a truly holistic treatment, and tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Whilst contrasting with modern Western medicine in process and understanding, acupuncture will invariably, complement rather than contradict a given conventional treatment. In some instances, it may prove so beneficial that a reduction or even cessation of conventional medication may be possible.
The diagnostic evaluation is underpinned by a theoretical framework, which is the product of literally thousands of years of careful observation and analysis. As greater knowledge has been gained over time, appropriate adaptation of techniques have been developed. It could be argued that acupuncture, as a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has perhaps one of the longest trials of any system of medicine to date. It is because of this rich history that acupuncturists have developed procedures, which have empirical value in the treatment and management of a wide range of both physical and emotional conditions.
The choice of points in any given treatment, and also the manner in which they are influenced, is not general or arbitrary, but specific to a person's needs and the presentation of their symptoms. Treatment is both differential and empirical; whilst a group of individuals may present with a common symptom (or disease according to western medicine), the acupuncturist's diagnosis may highlight quite contrasting pathologies and in turn, recommend different treatments. However, points may also be chosen because of their empirical value. Thus patients with different pathologies might receive treatment in seemingly common points in addition to receiving treatment on points specific to their circumstances.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the blanket term used to refer to a broad system of traditional medical practise in China. It comprises of four main branches of TCM including Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tui Na massage and Chi Kung. The term TCM was initially coined by colleges of medicine in modern china, in an attempt to unify the above systems under a common framework. Acupuncture and herbal practitioners in the West subsequently adopted the same term to convey the fact that they were practising under these same unified principles.
Although there remains a diversity of practise within the acupuncture profession in the UK and China, TCM offers a common foundation for sharing conventional practise. It enables practitioners to utilise a more systematic approach than was previously available. One of the big advantages of this system is that it equips practitioners with a broader repertoire of treatments with which to promote health and healing. Sometimes, only one treatment modality may be necessary, while at other times a combination may be prescribed to complement another. Different treatment methods can be utilised to address different aspects of a person's condition. Chinese herbal medicine for example can be prescribed for patients to take on a daily basis, meaning their treatment is supported between acupuncture sessions. Similarly, Tui Na might be offered as a viable alternative to those who are apprehensive of acupuncture.
Who and Why?
Until relatively recently the practice of acupuncture in this country was considered to be a form of 'alternative medicine' and subsequently categorized along with a range of unrelated disciplines that bore no relation to one another nor shared in it rich tradition. This banding was perhaps caused by the apprehension and even skepticism that arises when a seemingly alien practice is introduced into an established, possibly conventional and conservative culture. At best, acupuncture was classed as a form of 'complementary medicine'; the inference therefore being, that acupuncture was in place to complement the western allopathic system. Sadly these conditions seemed to limit the exposure of acupuncture to a narrow section of the community and underestimated its potential to make significant contribution to national health and wellbeing.
Today acupuncture is almost considered mainstream. The profound results experienced by the general public can no longer be disregarded as mere anecdotal evidence and some in the medical and scientific communities have now begun to pay attention to the growing body of evidence that has accumulated, for more information please visit the page Links and Research. In addition the acupuncture profession has developed in such a way that the public can now be assured that competent and safe practitioners, bound by codes of practice and ethics, will treat them accordingly. Thus acupuncture is now utilized by an ever-increasing cross section of the community for a range of both physical and mental-emotional conditions.
Most people attending my clinic do so by way of 'word of mouth'; the clinic has been recommended by friends or families who have themselves experienced success with acupuncture. A significant number have learnt about the effectiveness of acupuncture through the media or otherwise, and have therefore sought referrals from friends, doctors or other health care practitioners. Many people have sought treatment at my clinic because they have not received satisfactory attention and or results from conventional medicine or their doctors. Or conversely, because they are experiencing unwanted side effects from the medications they have been given, in spite of the fact that they maintain good and positive relationships with their doctors. Whilst they are seeking a gentler and more holistic route, they are nevertheless expecting a successful amelioration of their conditions, illnesses, pain and suffering.
Testimonials
1. Suzanna attended the clinic for sciatica and lower back pain.
I came to the Iffley Acupuncture Clinic with severe sciatica, after my GP sent me away untreated and told me to come back in 10 days if it’s not gone. After only a few acupuncture treatments the sciatica was gone and I stayed on for more treatments to improve my general health. The acupuncture, in combination with the weekly TaiChi/Qigong class has made a huge difference to my life and has very much changed my attitude towards health, diet and lifestyle. Acupuncture is not a ‘quick fix’ if one is looking to improve general health, but I feel it is a worthwhile investment, as it not only focuses on the physical side of things, but the effect a busy life, stress and therefore a tired mind has on our bodies.
Suzanna
2. Stephen first visited the clinic for acute chest pain.
"I first visited JB with a badly inflamed intercostal muscle. I was unable to draw breath without pain. My GP told me that nothing could be done and it would gradually improve over a period of six weeks. JB treated me and I was pain free the next morning. That was my first experience acupuncture. I remain convinced of its benefits because it is clear to me that it recognizes the interconnectedness of everything; it treats the whole being rather than merely smothering the symptom to the eventual detriment of all the vital organs."
Stephen
3. Rebecca attended the clinic for anxiety and depression.
I first went to Jonathan because I was suffering from bouts of intense anxiety and depression. I'd already tried all sorts of other approaches, including anti-depressant medication. Within a few months, I started to see the benefits of the treatments. Not only did they help with the depression and anxiety, but I experienced other improvements in my health, including improving my menstrual cycle. Jonathan's treatments have made an immense difference to my moods, and have helped me to get through a difficult period of my life. I can honestly say that I've been happier and calmer in the last year than I've ever been before, and this is due in large part to the acupuncture.
Rebecca
4. Laura attended the clinic for stress and jaw tension.
I was working in a stressful environment at work and developed a stiff and painful jaw, which was recurring pain on a daily basis. With acupuncture it has not only almost eradicated the pain, but it has helpful my overall sense of well being and helped me manage a busy life in much more of a laid back way.
The pain was due to stress and this also meant that my menstrual cycle was not regular, again with acupuncture and my overall sense of harmony being much more positive, it has regulated my period.
I would definitely recommend acupuncture to anyone, it's definitely helped me and has made me realise that you should never let a busy job get to you! Controlling your stress levels is very important and with meditation and acupuncture you can..
Laura
5. Cornelia attended the clinic for acute back pain
Here are a few reflections on what acupuncture has done for me! I first came to Jonathan on the advice of my osteopath because of a recurring condition of acute spasmodic back pains, which came on with out apparent cause and did not respond to treatment or pain killers. The pain usually lasted for about 36 hours. I have not had a recurrence of these pains for over two years now.
An unexpected benefit of acupuncture - and this happened after only a few sessions - was better sleep and the lifting of the kind of anxiety by which sleepless hours are so often beset - children, aging parents, money, old age, house repairs, bad memories etc etc. These anxieties had become part of my waking life too, and their fading felt little short of miraculous.
Jonathan begins his sessions by discussing one's general health and well-being. On one session I told him that I had been given a strong antibiotic during a hospital visit and that I had cystitis for the first time in my life. During his treatment he applied some needles at points he said were very effective for cystitis. Within an hour all symptoms had gone and have never recurred.
I believe that acupuncture has strengthened my general health and immune system and increased my energy levels and sense of well-being.
Cornelia
6. Mirjana attended the clinic for migraine headaches
Over the last three years I have experienced frequent and extremely severe headaches (migraines). During this time I have regularly visited a Variety of GP’s, a neurologist and have been prescribed a cocktail of tablets and injections, none of which have been effective.
Over the last three months I have been visiting Mr Jonathan Bruce, initially weekly, to receive acupuncture treatment. Within a few weeks both the severity and frequency of my headaches eased. During the last eight weeks, I have been free of all headaches.
I would strongly recommend acupuncture as a real alternative to drug based treatments.
Mirjana
7. Kellie attended the clinic for dizziness.
I was experiencing sudden episodes of vertigo that left me feeling vulnerable and frightened. I felt frustrated by my experience with the NHS and my doctor simply prescribed tablets to ease the discomfort I felt after an episode rather than addressing the cause of my condition. A friend recommended I try acupuncture and I found the Iffley Acupuncture Clinic by chance on the internet.
I often wonder what my experience of acupuncture would have been like if Jonathan wasn't my practitioner and to be honest it's hard for me to separate the two, my healing has involved a good dose of both of these in equal measures.
I started a treatment of acupuncture with Jonathan and continued having regular weekly sessions over the course of a 18 months. Because of this, my energy levels have increased dramatically. I suffered from periodic migraines, those have disappeared, (I haven't had one for the last 2 years). My understanding and approach to my life and diet have been enriched through Jonathan's in-depth knowledge and guidance and I haven't had an episode of vertigo for the last 4 months either.
I feel Jonathan helped me through a very difficult period in my life and showed me how to emotionally manage and cope with the episodes in an effective way. I am grateful to him.
Kellie.
8. Helen attended the clinic for ME or Chronic Fatigue Immune deficiency syndrome.
Jonathan’s expertise and experience make him an accomplished and trust-worthy acupuncturist/therapist/healer. I knew I was in safe hands and his thoughtful and attentive care, not only bought me back to health but taught me how to look after myself better.
Helen.
9. Abi attended the clinic anxiety and allergy reactions.
I came to visit Jonathan 6 months ago after a series of trips to the hospital with severe allergy (anaphylaxis). I also have a long history of psoriasis, asthma and anxiety and was getting nowhere with the 'sticking plaster', quick-fix approach of conventional medicine. I had had success in the past with Chinese herbs as a cure for psoriasis, so when I received a recommendation from a friend that I visit Jonathan, I was open to the idea.
Before seeing Jonathan, I was having allergic attacks on a weekly basis and my anxiety was at an all time high. Since my first visit to Jonathan I have not had any allergy, not even an itch. I visit Jonathan once a week for acupuncture (which Mum told me I'd never manage as I hate needles). The acupuncture is a real pleasure and it's refreshing for all my complaints to be viewed as a holistic problem rather than having all my itches and wheezes dealt with separately and in isolation from my anxiety.
My allergies are now a thing of the past and I now feel that I am dealing well with pressures at work and at home, despite a new job.
From: Abi
Sent: Fri 11/04/2008 08:40
10. Matthew attended the clinic for exhaustion from overwork
I consulted Jonathan for help in dealing with the effects of a less than sustainable lifestyle. The acupuncture helped me find some balance and gave me space to reflect on long term solutions. Jonathan's skill with the acupuncture needles is balanced with a warmth, compassion and welcoming that makes him an outstanding therapist.
11. Rian came to the clinic for help with chronic migraines.
I would recommend Jonathan to anyone who is struggling with headache or migraine as he has virtually cured me of my migraines, which has been nothing short of a miracle. I’ve been a migraine sufferer since the age of 7 and I contacted Jonathan in 2006 out of sheer desperation. I was then 34 and my migraines had been getting progressively worse over time to the point that my work and social life were seriously affected – I was experiencing headaches everyday from waking and the end of one migraine only seemed to merge into the next. I was on daily medication from my doctor, and had been for the past few years, but after a while they’d stopped working, and I’d even tried a series of different drugs. The drugs in themselves made me sluggish and psychologically didn't help. I’d been referred to the migraine clinic, I’d had brain scans, I’d researched endlessly into self-help remedies and experimented with cutting out all possible triggers. Nothing seemed to help and I found it difficult to imagine ever being headache free.
Jonathan seemed optimistic he could help though, and I began a course of acupuncture every week to start with which then became a regular once a month session. Within a year with Jonathan’s support I was able to come off my medication, and over the course of two years, I have become virtually headache free. I now only suffer a headache or a mild migraine once every few months and at least now I can put a finger on a specific cause. I have never in my life felt this free. As a result, my quality of life has improved immensely and I am a totally different person, brighter, optimistic and happier. I’m able to get on with my life. Having had the acupuncture has been one thing, but holistically speaking I should say it’s also been Jonathan’s grounding energy, his calm, caring and gentle manner, his reassurances and his believing in me and that he could help that I’m confident has helped me get to where I am today.
Rian
12. K attended the clinic for habitual miscarriage
Jonathan was recommended to me by a friend. I had experienced multiple miscarriages and was looking to explore acupuncture in relation to this problem. I found Jonathan very thoughtful and considered. He really listened to me and genuinely seemed interested in my "story". After each session I felt more relaxed and also energised. I fell pregnant a few months into treatment and continued the acupuncture during the pregnancy. Everything went well with the pregnancy and the delivery. We used acupressure during the early stages of labour, which Jonathan recommended and which definitely provided good pain relief. I feel also that the acupuncture sessions just before the baby was due helped to prepare my body for labour and I am sure contributed to a smooth, 1 1/2 hour labour. I would definitely recommend Jonathan and his acupuncture treatment to anyone in a similar situation to me.
KB
Service Categories
Acupressure, Acupuncture, Chinese Massage, Herbalists, Mens Health, Natural Fertility Management, Qigong, Tai Chi, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Weight Loss, Womens Health
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