Catherine Esworthy
Catherine is a dedicated and skilled acupuncturist with a comprehensive background in traditional Chinese medicine.
Therapies / specialities
- Acupuncture & Scalp Acupuncture
- Cupping & Moxibustion
- Gua Sha
- Acu Pressure & Tuina
Therapy details
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin at certain sites in the body for pain relief, therapeutic or preventive purposes. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, most commonly pain relief, though it can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. It is generally used in combination with other treatments such as moxa, massage, cupping, gua sha and food.
The knowledge that touch eases pain and improves well-being has been understood for centuries. The earliest Chinese test describing this is The Yellow Emperor’s Manual of Corporeal Healing, published during the Western Han period (202BC to AD9). This remains central to the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine today.Over time specific points were mapped out on the body, that when stimulated influenced the function of a particular organ. These areas are called acupoints. Acupoints affecting the same organ system are joined together by a series of meridians. Qi or energy flows through these meridians.
When the Qi is balanced and flowing freely, a person is healthy Acupuncture aims to regulate the flow of Qi through meridians. When the flow of Qi is obstructed or out of balance a person can experience ill health. Acupuncture aims to manipulate the flow of Qi to create a balance of energy where there was a previous imbalance.
Each person is unique and so response to treatment varies. Some people see a marked improvement straight away; others may need a few treatments before seeing lasting improvement.
As a general rule recent or acute conditions may be resolved in as little as 2 or 3 treatments. More long-standing conditions are likely to need more sessions before real change is seen. It is usually recommended to have a treatment each week for 4 to 6 weeks, after which sessions are spaced further apart.
Through treating the whole person, many people find further benefits above and beyond their initial reason for seeking treatment. The more common additional benefits are improved sleep, digestion or appetite, improved mental clarity and improved energy.
About
Catherine trained at the Northern College of Acupuncture, graduating in 2010. This training was the beginning of a commitment to lifelong learning in the field.
In addition to acupuncture Catherine is able to offer dietary and lifestyle advice, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, scalp acupuncture, acupressure and tuina. Outside of the Traditional Chinese Medical tradition Catherine is trained in the use of Bach Flower Remedies.
These can be offered either within an acupuncture treatment or as a standalone treatment.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Acu Pressure at Northern College of Acupuncture
- Post graduate Diploma in Acupuncture
- Diploma in Tuina (Chinese Massage) at Shulan College
- Bach Flower Remedy Practitioner
Frequently asked questions
If you have any more questions that we haven’t covered then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
07549 928472
cath@catherineesworthy.co.uk
A wide variety of people use acupuncture from the very young to the very old. Some women use acupuncture for support throughout their pregnancy. Elite athletes use acupuncture. It is also used alongside western medicine in palliative care.
Many people first seek acupuncture for help with painful conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee, headaches or low back pain.
Other people choose acupuncture when their body systems are out of balance, even though they have no obvious diagnosis.
Some choose to have regular treatment because they find it beneficial and relaxing.
Evidence of acupuncture's effectiveness is growing. A large systematic review concluded that acupuncture was effective for chronic pain: osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, headaches, and shoulder pain.
This review also showed that acupuncture was not a placebo and the effects persisted over time.
Acupuncture has been included in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for Headaches (CG150) and for Chronic Primary Pain (CG193).
The Scottish intercollegiate Guildlines Network (SIGN): Management of Chronic Pain (136) guidelines include acupuncture for lower back pain and osteoarthritis.
For many conditions a sufficient number of high quality clinical trials have yet to be conducted for researchers to draw firm conclusions.
You can find detailed evidence on the website: www.acupuncture.org.uk
Acupuncturists treat the person, not just the condition which they have, so each patient's treatment plan will be different.
Your local BAcC acupuncturist will be happy to offer a free chat about how acupuncture can help you.
A BAcC acupuncturist will take your medical history, read your pulses, may examine the site of your symptoms, and may look at your tongue. Your individual treatment plan will be based on your state of health and lifestyle.
Your acupuncturist will decide which combination of points is right for your whole body as well as your symptoms.
Sometims acupuncture needles are inserted for just a second or two, or you may be left to rest for a while before the nedles are removed.
Your acupuncurist may also use other techniques such as maxibustion or cupping.
The single-use sterile needles come in sealed packs that should be opened in your presence and are sefely disposed of after each treatment.
Acupuncture nedles are so fine that most people don't feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as your acupuncturist adjusts the needle. Many people feel deeply relaxed during the treatment.
Weekly sessions are quite usual to begin with, for perhaps five or six treatments, reducing in frequency as your body responds.
Your BAcC acupuncturist will suggest how often you should come for treatment.
Definitive surveys in the UK and Germany concluded that when practiced by properly trained qualified traditional acupuncturists such as BAcC Members, the risk of serious adverse events from acupuncture is extremely low.
Sometimes a small bruise may appear when a nedle is removed. Occasionally, people can feel dizzy or tired for a brief time after treatment.
If you have been prescribed medication we recommend you tell your doctor that you plan to have acupuncture.
Do not stop taking your medication. You should tell your acupuncturist about any medication and supplements you are taking.
BAcC acupuncturists are trained to recognise potentially serious underlying health conditions and will refer you to your GP if appropriate.
Treatment charges vary around the country and between practitioners and clinics. Talk to your local BAcC Member or check their website for prices before booking.
Acupuncture on the NHS is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for primary chronic pain, migraines and headaches, and by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) for chronic pain, including low back pain and knee pain.
Under General Medical Council guidelines, GP's may refer patients to practitioners listed on a Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accredited register.
The BAcC is the accredited register for traditional acupuncture. The PSA recommends that the public only see practitioners on an accredited or statutory register, giving you the confidence you need.
Some health policies now cover treatment with BAcC registered acupuncturists so check with your insurer.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves burning a herb called moxa on or near the body to stimulate acupuncture points and improve the flow of energy, or qi, in the body. It is often used in combination with acupuncture.