Welcome

Welcome to Nikki Hawkes' website.  Nikki is a fully qualified and registered acupuncturist, and an Acupuncture-Acutherapy Council member (MAcuC).  She is also registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council for Microsystems acupuncture.  Nikki provides acupuncture treatment from a small and friendly clinic near Oakham in Rutland.

Acupuncture is a complete system of health care, which has been practiced for over 2000 years in China, and is now widely accepted worldwide. 

According to traditional Chinese philosophy our health depends on the smooth and harmonious flow of Qi (energy) through a network of channels or meridians which lie beneath the skin but also travel deeper into specific organs.  Disease occurs when there is an imbalance in an organ's Qi or a blockage within a channel. 

In traditional Chinese medicine an acupuncturist aims to restore the smooth and balanced flow of Qi within the meridians whilst also affecting the organ related to the channel which helps to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself.  An acupuncturist is able to influence local areas such as a painful joint, or the whole body by insertion of very fine needles and the correct choice of acupuncture points.  The acupuncture points are specific points located on the meridians which are often tender when pressed.  Stimulation of the acupuncture points by the needles influences the flow of Qi within the meridians, relieving pain and improving health.  Your acupuncturist can show you how to locate some of the acupuncture points in order that you can extend your treatment between acupuncture sessions by using acupressure techniques.

In western terms, acupuncture stimulates underlying nerve fibres which regulates  hormones and neurotransmitters helping to control pain and restore the body's balance of health (homeostasis).

The needles used in acupuncture are sterile, single-use, solid and disposable.  Being extremely fine they do not produce the same pain response as an injection.  The sensation is often described as a dull ache, or a heaviness or tingling.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture diagnosis and treatment is designed to get to the root of the health problem as well as resolving the main symptoms.  Patients often find their general wellbeing is improved and they feel soothed, relaxed and rejuvenated after their acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture can be remarkably effective for a wide range of conditions and is often used alongside orthodox western medicine.  Some people will visit an acupuncturist for help with a specific disease, pain or condition while others just want to maintain good general health and vitality.