Michael Lowry
PhD, RGN, BEd(Hons), RNT, MEd, PGCRM, FHEA
Acupuncture Therapist
Based in Leeds, Yorkshire, UK
Also practising in Tavira, Eastern Algarve, Portugal
Telephone Leeds 2253443
Mobile: 07946 747165
Profile
I began my career in health care in 1975 by training as a Registered Nurse. There followed varied experiences in clinical nursing in such diverse locations as North America and Australia, as well as England. I expanded my skills by training as a teacher, and held various posts of responsibility in universities teaching nurses. I have presented at international conferences in various parts of the world, and have published widely in professional and academic journals and books. My interest in complementary medicine evolved into a fascination with acupuncture, which led me to train initially with the British Medical Acupuncture Society. I extend this with further study at post graduate level. Among my academic qualifications, I hold an earned research doctorate. I am particularly interested in treating enduring muscular and skeletal problems, including sports and occupational injuries such as neck, shoulder, back and joint problems. As well as these, I am interested in treating a range of other conditions, towards improving overall health and well-being. I firmly believe in the interface between mind and body in health, to which end I practise acupuncture as a holistic health care discipline.
Please refer to some of my many testimonials below
"I found great relief from a year long problem. I had been suffering neck and shoulder pain, which interfered with my ability to work. The treatment was painless and saved me from having to undergo an operation on my neck. A year on and I have had no further problems." (Dave aged 55, plumber)
"I was very sceptical, but Dr Lowry made a huge difference to my shoulder and back problem - no hesitation in recommending him." (Kevin aged 56, Scientific Officer)
"After carrying small children around I had awful hip and back pain, which has now subsided thanks to the treatment with acupuncture." (Theresa aged 40, Mum)
"Severe headaches and insomnia were interfering with my work and home life, but after three treatments I feel like a new person." (Mark, aged 44, lawyer)
What is acupuncture ?
Acupuncture is a very well established mode for treatment of a range of conditions. Traditionally, treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into the body along well established tracks or 'meridians'. These meridians have been known about for thousands of years, however in more recent time, it has become common to treat focal sites. As technology progressed, so did the range and quality of equipment, with electro therapy being practised alongside or instead of traditional needling. In addition is the use of acupressure, which is the application of pressure and massage to specific areas. It is therefore possible to treat people who are uncomfortable with thoughts of needles, by using acupressure and by electropulse therapy. These choices will be explained and discussed at time of consultation.
How does acupuncture work ?
There is quite a lot known about the science of how acupuncture works. Put simply, when needles are introduced into the body at various points they create change within the tissues. These changes can involve complex chemical reactions, not unlike those produced by your body for example following excercise. Alongside the known, are the unknown reasons why acupuncture can be so effective. What is accepted is that acupuncture really does create situations in which your body can heal itself, some of which is beyond easy explanation or reason. I practice a Western Medical approach to acupuncture, whilst recognising and learning from more traditional beliefs about treatment.
Is acupuncture safe ?
Acupuncture is generally very safe, provided that it is practised by a knowledgable therapist who has sound understanding of anatomy and physiology. In contrast to drug therapy, there are generally few if any side effects, other than sometimes a residual stiffness or ache for a while following treatment. In some strong reactors there is a tendency to become very relaxed, or even to fall asleep. People sometimes report they have an especially sound sleep the night following treatment. In rare cases there might be some small residual bruising, but this is not common. As with any form of health care therapy, there are no guarantees as to outcome.
Is acupuncture painful ?
One of the goals of acupuncture is to relieve pain. Provided that the therapist uses good quality needles and a careful insertion technique, then treatment is seldom painful. Indeed, some people report a pleasant sensation, warmth, tingling or relaxation during treatment. It is possible to use non-needling approaches such as acupressure and electropulse therapy.
What may be treated using acupuncture ?
The answer to this is as broad as the range of problems that might be presented. In short, there is an enormous range of problems that respond to acupuncture. These include for example, muscular and skeletal problems (neck, shoulder, back pain and sciatica), headache and migraine, joint pain, stiffness, insomnia, anxieties, low mood, smoking cessation, digestive disorders and nausea.
It has been suggested that acupuncture is effective in treating 90% of the population, with 10% finding little or no beneficial effects, and of those benefitting about 10% will find dramatic improvements.
What does treatment involve ?
The first principle of treatment is to establish the nature and extent of the problem. Treatment therefore starts with a careful and comprehensive assessment not just of the presenting problems, but of related aspects of overall health that can contribute to the problem. Following careful assessment you will be offered a plan of care. This will include suggested treatment for you to agree. As a guide, you may need between three and five treatment sessions, however this varies according to conditions, and to individual's responses to acupuncture.
How long does treatment take ?
Allow up to one hour for the initial consulation and treatment, with about 20 to 40 minutes for subsequent treatments.
What will it cost me ?
Consultation and treatment from £20
Rates current 2008 subject to variation.
