Ben Davies
“Most people think of needles when asked about acupuncture, but actually its a whole health concept. As well as using very fine needles to stimulate points, I use my massage experience to help provide a total body therapy.”
Ben Davies - Acupuncturist
Ben has a BSc (Hons) in Acupuncture from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, and is trained in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as well as Five Element. He has a Licentiate in Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.) and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC).
Having worked (previously at Summertown Clinic) and trained in Massage Therapy for several years, Ben offers a unique approach, integrating both Acupuncture and Massage within treatment. From Traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element, he uses Acupuncture, Cupping, Moxa and Guasha, as well as Qi Qong. He also uses Myofascial release, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, as well as Sports and traditional Massage. Ben combines multiple approaches to find the best solution for the patient. His unique approach is that he is able to use both modalities to help people back to a place of health.
Ben’s background means he has extensive experience in treating muscular-skeletal complaints, such as injuries, chronic pain, etc. This experience he applies to Acupuncture. He also has a particular interest in emotional trauma and mental health, and how this links to the body – evidence is increasingly showing that emotional trauma is also very physical, and not just of a mental or emotional nature, for example with chronic pain. Ben is particularly interested in how using Acupuncture, one can help people on their journey of working through their trauma.
As well as muscular-skeletal and mental health, Ben also treats patients for migraine, chronic fatigue, fertility, auto-immune, digestive issues, and many more.
Ben has also undertaken further training in care for stroke patients, as well as paediatric Acupuncture. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council as well the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
To book an appointment with him, please call our Receptionist on 01865 558561, or book online here.
Ben’s Posts
Practitioner Summary
Qualifications
- Massage Therapy Diploma (Arizona School of Integrated Studies)
- Massage Therapy Teacher Training Diploma (Arizona School of Integrated Studies)
- BSc (Hons) Acupuncture (College of Integrated Chinese Medicine)
Continued Professional Development
- Advanced Acupuncture Techniques
- Caring for Stroke Survivors with Acupuncture and Associated Therapies
- Shonishin Paediatric Japanese Acupuncture
I practice Five Element Acupuncture which is different in style to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture – we use much finer needles (and generally do not leave them in for any length of time) and practise moxibustion (a warming technique which involves burning the herb mugwort directly on the acupuncture point). The relationship (rapport) between practitioner and patient is very important in Five Element acupuncture so the practitioner does not leave the room during treatment or treat multiple patients at the same time.
- Mental Health – I am particularly interested in helping people with mental health, trauma, etc.
- Muscular-skeletal – with my extensive background in Massage, I also enjoy helping people find improvement in muscular-skeletal complaints.
- Other Conditions – Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromylagia, and other uncommon conditions .
Initial appointment:
Why 60 minutes?
It’s vital to build up a full picture of the individual so that the most appropriate course of treatment is given, so a detailed consultation is undertaken covering medical and family medical history, medication, the presenting symptoms, sleep, diet/appetite, digestive system and general lifestyle. I then continue with a physical examination which consists of pulse taking, looking at the tongue and palpating points/muscles as well as examining the physical structure. I then finish with a treatment.
Follow up appointment:
I take the pulses again and then build upon the initial treatment. The effect of traditional acupuncture is accumulative so weekly treatments up to 3 weeks may be needed initially before sessions can be reduced to further time apart as part of a maintenance/prevention programme.
Most patients find the treatment very relaxing, feeling calm during and after the treatment
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the use of very fine needles, to facilitate changes in the body and overall well-being. These needles are inserted into specific points, effecting the flow of energy (also known as Qi) in the body.
What is Dry Needling/Medical Acupuncture? Is it different from Traditional Chinese Acupuncture?
This is a form of treatment performed generally by other healthcare practitioners like osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and doctors and involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into specific trigger points to alleviate pain. It certainly can be effective, but it is not the same as traditional Acupuncture.
It differs from traditional Chinese acupuncture in that it only focuses on the individual muscle or joint whereas traditional acupuncture treats the body/person as a whole system to treat the issue at hand.
Do I need to rest after treatment?
I would recommend if possible, to take it easy to maximise the treatment benefits. Also sometimes people will feel a little tired after treatment, and its advisable to try and rest especially if you are feeling this way.
What is moxa or moxibustion?
Moxa is the application of heat on specific Acupuncture points, burning a dried herb (mugwort) on or near the specific point, without burning the skin. It is very effective and soothing, and produces a surprising amount of heat.
What is cupping?
Cupping is the use of vacuum cups, either on Acupuncture points or specific muscle groups. These cups pull the muscle and the fascia away from the body, providing release and fresh blood flow through the area. Cupping is excellent for muscular-skeletal conditions particularly. It was made famous recently by Michael Phelps, the American olympic swimmer using them extensively to help his recovery!
Similar Practitioners
At Summertown Clinic we have 2 Classical acupuncturists, and several of our osteopaths practice western acupuncture or dry needling as an adjunct to their osteopathy.
Chris Boardman
Acupuncturist
Chris has been helping patients from Summertown Clinic for over 42 years! He uses a unique combination of Acupuncture, homeopathy, SKENAR, Laser, and infra-red therapies to help his patients improve their health.
