Modern Western Acupuncture Treatment at The Langton Medical Suite

The practical combination of conventional western style medicine with the ancient art of acupuncture.

Acupuncture can relieve symptoms of many physical and psychological conditions and may encourage the body to heal & repair itself. Since introducing acupuncture into my general medical practice, I have been astounded at the improvement many patients describe, particularly those with neck, back & shoulder problems. I now routinely offer acupuncture as the first treatment for many conditions and approximately 3 out of 4 patients describe significant benefit from acupuncture. The great advantage of acupuncture is its safety; in skilled hands serious complications are virtually unheard of. This contrasts starkly with the safety record of many of the drugs that we doctors prescribe, especially the anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen etc.

Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin & muscle. In turn, this increases the body’s release of natural painkillers (endorphins & serotonin) in the spinal cord and brain. Many painful conditions respond well to acupuncture and there is often an enhanced sense of well-being as well.

Each patients case will be carefully assessed to determine if acupuncture is suitable and very importantly to ensure that serious underlying conditions have not been missed.

During Acupuncture treatment very fine needles are inserted through the skin; these are rarely felt by the patient! A typical course of treatment will require 3-6 sessions and the treatment will be fine-tuned as the course progresses. Sometimes mild electrical stimulation of the needles can enhance the effect.

Medical Acupuncture is performed by registered doctors who will use their broad training & experience to diagnose those conditions that are likely to respond to acupuncture and then safely treat them. Their recognised training is provided by the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) insert link which promotes and regulates the safe & responsible use of acupuncture by registered medical practitioners. In addition all doctors are subject to regulation by The General Medical Council who issue strict codes of ethics.

Conditions likely to improve with Acupuncture [TOP]

This is not an exhaustive list! Many symptoms will improve with acupuncture; sadly some will not. Generally speaking, if there has been no improvement after three treatments, it is unlikely that further treatments will help.

Musculo-skeletal pain especially neck, shoulder & back problems, arthritis & rheumatic pains.
Sports injuries
Headaches & migraines
Irritable bowel & bladder problems
Period pain & menopausal problems
Allergies; hayfever, urticaria, prickly heat, chronic sinusitis, chronic catarrh
Smoking cessation & Weight loss: acupuncture can help you stick to your plans by relieving stress & craving.

I have also treated the aches & sprains of many climbers and skiers with acupuncture on my various expeditions around the world.

Dr Apps is also trained in Intramuscular Stimulation which is a form of deeper acupuncture.The needles are carefully placed into the deep muscles around the spine. The results are excellent.

Enquiries about suitability for acupuncture are welcome. In addition, I have access to several databases in case I need to research a particular condition and its treatment.

Charges [TOP]

First Consultation £40
Follow-up visits £25

Acupuncture Web-sites:

British Medical Acupuncture Society useful information & links to other resources.