Physiotherapy – Acupuncture Clinic

Our Acupuncturist, April Kim, qualified from a five year degree course in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a BSc (Hons). She undertook a six month internship at two leading integrated hospitals in Beijing, China. Over the last several years, April has practised in private clinics in London and the South East. April is a member of the British Acupuncture Council.

For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used as a system of medicine to stimulate the body’s own healing response. Nowadays more and more people are finding this long established therapy can offer an effective solution to their problems. The acupuncturist, April Kim offers high standards in care and effective treatment for each patient’s individual condition.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is a holistic approach to health based on over 2000 years of development and refinement in the Far East. It is not fully understood how acupuncture works.

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. The flow of qi can be disturbed by many factors, physical, mental and emotional: anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma.

By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help to restore its natural balance. Traditional acupuncture is used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall wellbeing of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.

The skill of an acupuncturist lies in their ability to make a traditional diagnosis from what is often a complex pattern of disharmony. The exact pattern and degree of disharmony is unique to each individual and so following diagnosis, the acupuncturist puts together a personalised treatment plan.

What will I feel?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to the needles used in injections and blood tests. They are much finer and solid, not hollow.

When a needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles may be inserted and immediately removed, or may be left in place for thirty minutes or more, depending on the effect required.

During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, as well as better appetite and sleep, and an enhanced sense of overall wellbeing.

What should I expect from treatment?

You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.

Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment.
It is helpful to wear loose, comfortable clothing for your treatment and you should be aware that your acupuncturist may need access to points on your torso as well as on your arms and legs.

Your first consultation will take between 75 - 90 mins, whilst subsequent sessions will take between 45 - 60 mins. You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The acupuncturist will also take your pulses on both wrists and look at the colour of your tongue. Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the most appropriate treatment for you will be selected.

How should I prepare for my first visit?

You should try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. You should also avoid alcohol and food or drinks which discolour your tongue, such as coffee, immediately prior to treatment. It is helpful to wear loose, comfortable clothing for your treatment and you should be aware that your acupuncturist may need access to points on your torso as well as on your arms and legs.

How can I pay for acupuncture treatment?

We ask people to pay on the day of treatment. If you are claiming this from your health insurance company you can send the receipt to them and claim the money back. Only some insurance companies will cover acupuncture.

April Kim comes from a long line of traditional acupuncturists and followed in the footsteps of her great grandfather, the famous Korean acupuncturist Jonghwa Kim. April graduated from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The full time, five year degree included six months internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing, China. Since then, April Kim has undertaken several post graduate courses including working with the renowned acupuncturist Dr Yu Lan Bai, China’s leading neurologist in Beijing.

April has several academic articles published in medical journals, healthcare magazines and medical websites. April is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAC), the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ATCM) and the British Fertility Society (BFS). All members are bound by a strict code of ethics and conduct and are legally insured.

For further information, please visit April Kim’s website: www.aprilkim.net.