Acupuncture in central Bristol
We have, arguably, two of the best acupuncture professionals in the country working at C1 - Zak Han and Ben Tolson
Zak used to be an medical doctor in China and eventually ran one one of their largest hospitals before moving to the UK so he really understands what he's looking at and will be able to diagnose and treat you you quickly and effectively . He is undoubtedly one of the best trained and widest experienced acupuncture providers in the country and he is also one of the most influential writers about the effects of acupuncture in the world. Patients travel for miles to come and see him and they can't all be wrong - his dairy is often booked weeks ahead but, if you really need to see an acupuncturist, then please chose one of the best. Here's his maps page for more informantion.
Ben has been practising complimentary therapies since 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Acupuncture from the University of Kingston after studying for 3 and half years at the College of Chinese Integrated Medicine and so is very current and so able to use the most modern techniques to help you. He has taken post graduate courses in numerous areas ranging from sports injuries, trigger point therapy, fertility to digestive complaints so is able to understand and deal with most problems. He started his career as a sports massage therapist which has given him a broad range of experience in treating most musculoskeletal pain.
If you are unsure if acupuncture can help Ben offers free 15 minute consultations.
What is it?
Acupuncture is the technique of inserting and moving filiform needles in 'acupuncture points' on the body with the aim of restoring health and well-being and, so, treating pain and disease. But it can do a whole lot more, as Zak can explain on his blog site, here.
Acupuncture is thought to have originated in China and is now most commonly associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) whose acupuncturists tend to perceive the TCM concepts in 'functional' rather than structural terms.
How does it work?
Researchers using the protocols of evidence-based medicine have found good evidence that acupuncture is effective in treating nausea and chronic low-back pain, as well as neck pain and headaches. The World Health Organization, the National Centre for Complementary and Alternaltive Medicine (NCCAM) part of the National Institute of Health (NIH) in America, the American Medical Association (AMA) and various government reports have also studied and commented positively on the efficacy of acupuncture.
Western science suggests that there are three main mechanisms for acupuncture’s effects:
1. Activation of the body's opioid systems: research has found that several types of naturally occuring opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.
2. Changes in brain chemistry, sensation and involuntary body functions: studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Acupuncture also has been documented to affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes where your blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature are regulated.
3. Changes in blood flow: acupuncture and Oriental medicine alters the circulation of blood to the affected area, resulting in removal of pain causing chemicals and restoring normal function to the area being treated.
There is general agreement that acupuncture is at least safe when administered by well-trained practitioners.
Zak's Approach
Zak says: "I will make sure that I have a full and thorough understanding of your condition before I start to treat you. I will treat you as appropriate, which usually involves acupuncture followed by Acupressure Massage or Tuina Massage Therapy."
Ben’s Approach
The great strength of traditional acupuncture is that it treats each person individually. The focus is on the individual, not their illness, and all the symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Illness therefore is seen as a manifestation of the person’s whole health. I will always try to get you back to health as quickly as possible.
Who can Acupuncture help?
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat most musculoskeletal problems and a great deal of other problems as well. Here are some of the conditions Zak and Ben treat on a regular basis:
| Migraine | Angina | Rotator cuff tears |
| Plantar Fasciitis | Knee pain | Occipital neuralgia |
| Myofacial pain syndrome | Fibromyalgia | Facet joint pain |
| Frozen shoulder | Bursitis | Dysmenorrhoea (period pain) |
| Restless leg syndrome | Tennis elbow | Carpal tunnel syndrome |
and many more are shown on his web site
Treatment Times and Costs
Ben's:
First appointment £45 for one hour and half.
Follow up appointments £38 and last 60 minutes
Zak is in C1 Chiropractic Clinic on Thursday and Friday mornnings and additional days in the future.
Ben is in on Mondays, Tuesday and Thursday.
If you have any questions you would like to ask in the strictest of confidence please feel free to telephone or e-mail for more information; we are always happy to provide this.