"Richard is a highly skilled and intuitive healer and I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone. I can honestly say that in the short time that I have known him he has positively changed the way I am living my life." Continue reading
"Dear Richard, you are a wonder. I feel so much better for your therapy. After seeing you, I went to drink tea in the cafe. I sat with my eyes closed Continue reading
"Though I did not consider my job to be high-pressure, the fact that I am gregarious, wear my heart on my sleeve and can be overly conscientious means that..." Continue reading
"I started seeing Richard in Sept 2011, I had been trying to get pregnant for over nine months and wanted to... Continue reading
"I went to see Richard for help with balancing some long term emotional stuff I'd been wrestling with. I knew I had to resolve some very long term issues I had which had been dogging me since before my teens." Continue reading
How we are Effected by our Environment around us &
The Chakra System Explained
Richard Brook Acupuncture
North London, Marylebone, Islington and Camden Frequently Asked Questions & Fees
•Press to listen to Richard answering some common questions on BCFM radio Bristol•
•Learn more about how Acupuncture & Dru yoga can benefit your Heart Energy here• 1st session; Diagnosis and Treatment
The initial consultation takes between 1hour 15mins and 1hour 30minutes and is very important, it takes into account your medical and family history, your lifestyle, emotional state and how your various systems function (e.g sleep, appetite, digestion) and your present condition. 5 Elements acupuncture differs from other medical systems as it takes into full consideration how you interact with the world around you, and how in tune with natural rhythms and natural inherent human tendencies (Elements) you are. You are seen as intrinsically connected to and affected by the world around you, rather than operating in isolation. This information is essential in determining treatment, and also in identifying what factors may be creating imbalance in your life.
Pulses, located in the wrist are taken and give the practitioner information about the state and flow of Qi in the body.
Specific recommendations regarding your lifestyle may also be made in order to help treatment. I have extensive knowledge of many beneficial lifestyle practices, such as yoga and nutrition, having also managed an organic food shop and often incorporates this knowledge into my recommendations. Subsequent Treatments
Subsequent treatments last 45mins to one hour and consist of a shorter consultation followed by a treatment.
In addition to needling, other techniques such as the burning of Moxa Herbs, Gua Sha (a type of massage) or cupping may also be used. Number and Frequency of treatments
This depends on your own circumstances. Commiting to a block of 3 or 4 sessions (one per week for 3 or 4 weeks) is often advisable as the effect of acupuncture can be cumulative, and it's also sending the right signals to your body that it is being supported over a period of time so gives it chance subconsciously relax and enter into a deeper healing process. Also in cases where there may have been a longstanding imbalance, it also makes sense it can take a while longer and more regular treatment to maintain a sense of improvement. However, the reality as i've seen many times is also that even one treatment can make a difference to how you are feeling, and I encourage people to also follow their own inner impulse as to when to attend. Over time treatments can also be gradually spaced further apart, or just schedule seasonal check-ins.
Richard In The Press Please view here for one journalist's experience
of a treatment with me!
(from Cry Wolf Magazine, 2009)
Response to Treatment
Every individual is unique, so the response to treatments varies from person to person. Often the initial improvements are in the overall state of health and then improvement in the main complaint will follow.
Some people feel revitalised mentally or physically after treatment whilst with others the changes are more subtle and noticed in retrospect.
What About My Doctor?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) now recognises many conditions which can be successfully treated by Acupuncture. Many doctors and medical professionals now acknowledge and accept Acupuncture as a complementary and in certain cases, as an alternative treatment for a wide range of symptoms and conditions. You may be referred for treatment by your doctor, a consultant or you may contact the practice directly. If you have been seeing your doctor, you may want to tell him or her that you are coming for Acupuncture.
If you are on medication your practitioner will want to know what you are taking. It is important that you discuss any changes you wish to make in taking your medication with your GP or the specialist who prescribed them. Needles!
One of the most common statements i receive from people when talking to them about acupuncture is 'i'd never be able to get that done, i don't like needles!' Well a quick note here to say that i find that most people have built up a memory around needles generally based on experiences they have had through injections throughout their life, which of course i agree are generally far from pleasant! Just to say though that the experience of having an acupuncture needle placed is far different, and that they are much, much finer, as the picture in the gallery pages illustrates. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, i find that on some subtle level your body and mind knows the difference between having a foreign substance injected into your veins and a fine needle inserted in a relaxed atmosphere with the intention of stimulating your bodies own healing process, and people are generally much more at ease with that.
Five Elements Acupuncture Fees
By Sliding Scale according to your means
Initial Consultation and Treatment £60 to £80
Follow up treatments £50 to £70
You decide what you can afford between the limits I set out above. I strive to make acupuncture affordable for you to come as often and for as long as needed in order to feel better and stay better!
You should decide how much to pay based on what you feel comfortable paying, taking into account how many treatments you'll be receiving and for how long.
Research has shown that acupuncture is most effective when it is done frequently and regularly – and while one treatment can work absolute wonders and make a big difference to how you feel (and I fully recommend it if you are curious) once a week is usually the minimum required to make progress on an ongoing health problem. On your first visit i'll discuss a treatment plan with you and how often you should come in.
I want to make the money fit the treatment plan, not the other way around.
I will NOT ask you to bring proof of your income, as I understand that everyone’s situation is different. In order to really deal with some of your health concerns, you may need to come weekly for a sustained period of time. Please think about what you can comfortably commit to. I can only encourage you, if possible, not to let cost get in the way if you think you will benefit from treatment, investing in your health is a strong choice. If you still cannot afford my fees then please contact me as I may be able to refer you to others who can help.
If you have a health insurance policy it may also be possible to claim back all or part of your treatment costs. You should check this out with your policy provider prior to treatment.
