ACUPUNCTURE FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY CANCER

Acupuncture can be very supportive during cancer and in particular for relaxation, emotional support and pain. All spaces are currently full for concessionary acupuncture, but if you are affected by cancer and you are in special circumstances please send a letter explaining your situation to: Charmaine Shepherd, 45 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3HP. We will then add you to the waiting list. Remember to include your contact details.

Charmaine's China Challenge

In September 2011, I will be trekking the Great Wall of China and Yanshan mountains to raise funds for Macmillan cancer. With the support of patients, friends and family I am hoping to raise £3400. Each day Macmillan Cancer supports thousands of individuals financially, practically and emotionally. Last year I benefited greatly from training that Macmillan provided to help me support patients affected by cancer in a better way.

The training completely changed the way that I practice. It gave me new confidence in supporting individuals facing cancer. Please support me by sponsoring me for the challenge at www.justgiving.com/charmaine-shepherd.

Back Pain Study with the University of Southampton

If you are suffering from back pain, you may qualify to be included into the back pain study offered by the University of Southampton. Individuals taking part in the study receive acupuncture at half price. For more information and to find out whether you qualify, please call the clinic on 0131 558 7000.

Community Acupuncture Clinic

From February 2010 we will be running a multi-bed clinic on Wednesday mornings. The 20 minute treatments will cost £15 as opposed to the usual £35, making it available to many who have no access to this alternative therapy. The no-frills treatment means that more patients can be seen at one time, reducing the cost considerably. I believe that health care should be more accessible to all that need it regardless of their financial situation. We will try to accommodate as many patients as we can.

Multi-bed clinics have grown in popularity whereby patients have less privacy but greater access to treatment. It may not be suitable to everyone, especially if you have a complex condition that needs dedicated time. However, most people enjoy the more social environment where human connections can be made. Please call me at 0131 558 7000 to discuss whether your condition could be treated within the multi-bed clinic".

Mission Statement

This is true both within the body itself and between the body and the external environment. When the body is internally balanced and in harmony with the external environment, energy flows smoothly throughout to nourish all organs and tissues. By adjusting and stimulating the flow of energy through acupuncture, we stimulate the body's natural healing ability to maintain health and protect against disease.

I also believe in teaching the individual to take control of their own health so that they do not become dependent on a practitioner or a specific therapy, but learn to manage their own health.