02/09/2026
Looking beyond the symptoms 🌿
This lovely client came to me for support with the discomfort and stiffness she experiences in her hands due to arthritis, and yesterday was her third acupuncture treatment.
Rather than focusing solely on where symptoms are being felt, acupuncture takes a broader look at the individual. As part of her consultation, we explored patterns and imbalances that may be relevant to her overall wellbeing, which helped me tailor her acupuncture treatment and select points specifically for her.
We’ve also been looking at diet and lifestyle, including whether there are particular foods or other factors that seem to coincide with a worsening of her symptoms.
For me, this is an important part of a holistic approach: looking at the person as a whole, not simply the symptom in isolation.
Every treatment is individual, and what is appropriate for one person may be completely different for another. Acupuncture isn’t a replacement for medical treatment for arthritis, but some people choose to use it alongside their usual care to help manage symptoms and support their general wellbeing.
(Photo shared with my client’s kind permission.)