James Donaldson

BSc (Hons) Acupuncture, MBAcC

ABOUT JAMES

I am a graduate of the University of Westminster and have practiced in multidisciplinary clinics since graduating in 1999. As well as acupuncture I also practice massage, Chinese dietary therapy and teach meditation. Although I work primarily in Tunbridge Wells I also practice at The Manor Clinic in Sevenoaks.

I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). Membership is conditional upon having completed at least three years training in traditional acupuncture and western medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture. BAcC maintains common standards of education, ethics, discipline, and practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. Members are covered by Medical Malpractice and Public/Products Liability insurance.

I left school in 1968 and spent 27 years working as a chef. I eventually remembered to go back to school where I gained an Honours degree in Chinese medicine. Somewhere in the middle of all this I became a Buddhist, wrote a bunch of children's poems and some recipes. I enjoy playing Zen golf, listening to Mozart and Bob Dylan, and reading too much. I have one son, Ben. I am still trying to finish writing a book and expect to be re-incarnated.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is one of the disciplines that form Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Qi (pronounced Chee), is the vital energy that permeates all life. It keeps blood circulating, warms the body, fights disease and is the source of all movement. When a person is healthy, qi is abundant and flows smoothly throughout the channels. Disease occurs when the flow is blocked, deficient, or when there is an invasion by an external pathogen.

Acupuncture is the use of fine needles inserted into specific points that stimulate invisible lines of energy that run beneath the surface of the skin. The purpose is to restore harmony and return the body to health. Moxibustion, the stimulation of energy by the use of burning herbs, is often used in conjunction with acupuncture.

To determine the pattern of disharmony, the acupuncturist needs a detailed understanding of the patient`s lifestyle, diet, work, medical history and emotional state. The consultation includes questioning, observation, and examination of the tongue and pulses. What the practitioner is seeking are not symptoms in isolation, but rather a pattern into which is woven a picture of the patient`s state of health. The frequency of treatments and length of a course of treatment depend upon the condition, the length of time the patient has suffered from the condition, and their general state of health.

What can Acupuncture help with?

My particular areas of special interest are fertility and pregnancy. In the area of fertility treatment I work using the TCM approach, and also, with increasing frequency in recent years, work using acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for women undergoing assisted fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI.

Acupuncture can be used prior to conception, throughout pregnancy, during labour and for post-natal problems. It offers a safe, drug free alternative for some of the conditions that may arise during pregnancy. In late pregnancy Moxibustion may be used to turn a breech presentation. Acupuncture can also be used to induce labour. During labour it can assist pain control and help the mother to remain as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

Some of the Conditions Commonly Treated with Acupuncture

Internal Diseases
Dizziness, migraine, sciatica, tennis elbow, rheumatism, arthritis, tinnitus, sinusitis, dental pain, headaches, constipation, haemorrhoids, IBS, cystitis, depression, anxiety disorders, hypertension, back pain, insomnia, trigeminal neuralgia, Bells palsy, bronchitis, shingles, cough, influenza.

Gynaecological Disorders
Irregular periods, painful periods, absence of periods, PMS, anaemia, menopausal problems.

Addictions
Tobacco, recreational drugs, food, alcohol.

Pregnancy Related Conditions Commonly Treated with Acupuncture
Pre-conception care and nutrition, morning sickness, threatened miscarriage, heartburn, oedema, anxiety, painful urination, retention of urine, constipation, headache, induction, labour pain, haemorrhoids, anaemia, mastitis, post-natal depression.