Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine, a highly developed system of medicine that has evolved over thousands of years. It uses small, fine, flexible needles to stimulate or to regulate life energy - known as qi (pronounced chee) - that flows along invisible channels beneath the surface of the skin. There are twelve main channels or ‘meridians’, most of which are associated with an organ of the body. Points on the Bladder Channel, for instance, may be used to treat bladder problems such as cystitis and also to treat problems (such as back and neck pain) that occur at other locations along the course of this channel. Though best known for its treatment of painful conditions such as joint and back problems, it treats a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, psychological as well as physical.

Acupuncture may be used to treat a wide range of complaints including headaches; ear, eye and throat problems; toothache; sinusitis; asthma; bronchitis; hay fever; heart disease; angina; hypertension; ulcers; indigestion; diarrhoea; constipation; cystitis; thrush; prostatitis; period problems; menopausal problems; arthritis; back pain; sciatica; RSI; sporting injuries; weak immune system; lack of energy ME; anxiety; insomnia; depression; addictions; eczema; acne; psoriasis; children's diseases.

Treatments are usually given once a week initially and at longer intervals as improvement occurs. Recently acquired conditions usually required less treatment than those that have persisted for a long time. Kim Wells initial consultation takes three-quarters of an hour, Pam Everitt's one and a half to two hours. Subsequent appointments are three quarters of an hour or a little longer