Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years (possibly as many as 6000!) Records show that it has been practiced historically in China, Korea, Japan & Europe. Even the ancient Maya and ancient Egyptians used it! They didn’t use the single use, sterile needles that I use today in my Edinburgh Acupuncture Clinic; bone, porcupine needles and even hat pins have been used!

A brief History of Acupuncture can be viewed here: https://blog.oup.com/2017/11/history-acupuncture-timeline/

With its roots going back so far, I am sure you can imagine that there are many styles of acupuncture, I studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (not to be confused with Chinese Herbs) at University, we also covered Five Elements and were introduced to Japanese Acupuncture and Auricular Acupuncture (which can support folk with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder / PTSD or those needing to Detox). 

Since University I continue my studies and regularly read books written by Dr Tan (Balance Technique) and by other scholars, including Master Tung.

In 2022 I discovered Dr Slate Burris, an amazing Acupuncturist who is the founder and teacher of Neoclassical Acupuncture.  This is the main style of Acupuncture that I now practice.  

Benefits: One of the best benefits of Acupuncture is to reduce pain. It has also been known to aid sleep and restore energy.

Here’s a fabulous tip: Do you suffer with headaches? Next time you get one, notice where it is. If it is on the left side of your head, use your right hand. If on the right side of your head, use your left hand. Now feel down your hand between the bones of the small finger and ring finger. If you find any ouchy/tender areas, gently massage them (this is acupressure [acupuncture without the needles] in action!). Now notice your headache. Has it gone?  

For Neoclassical Acupuncture your abdomen, back, arms and legs may be palpated. This can help to diagnose where to insert the needles.  This style of acupuncture can use as little as one needle and changes to the body may be noticed within a few minutes. 

If you don’t like needles I can use an acupuncture pen or use finger pressure (acupressure) at the points, to stimulate them.

On the whole Acupuncture is a very safe therapy, however I do need to draw your attention to the potential side effects and risks associated with Acupuncture - see Cautions & Contraindications.  

Individual results may vary and more than one session may be required.  In some cases the desired results may not be achieved.

For your Information: Karen has been granted a license to practice Acupuncture by the City of Edinburgh Council. This means that the premises has been inspected by both Environmental Health and Public Health, police checks have been done and the necessary documentation (qualifications, insurance, first aid certificates etc.) are all up to date.