TREATMENTS
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My treatments are specifically tailored to the needs of each client to ensure they receive the approach that works best for them.
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Treatments: £60
Payments accepted by Cash, Card, Cheque or Bank Transfer
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Clinic Hours
Monday 9am-5pm
Tuesday 9am-5pm
Saturday 8am - 2pm​
Cancellation Policy:
Appointments may be rescheduled once booked but please give adequate notice by telephone to re-book your appointment.
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Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be charged the full consultation fee.
GET IN TOUCH
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me for a chat about what acupuncture can do to help you.
Dawn Towell at
Cowan House, Health, Consulting and Lifestyle Centre,
21 Ellenborough Park North,
Weston Super Mare BS23 1XQ
07869 057788
ABOUT ME
Expertise, warmth and confidentiality is what you can expect when you come to see me. I am passionate about acupuncture and what it achieves. I have seen outstanding results in clinic, treating digestive disorders, anxiety and depression, menopause symptoms, gynaecological issues, chronic and acute pain, autoimmune conditions, headaches, toothache, allergies and much more. I have also benefited on many occasions from acupuncture treatments. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer many years ago, it was acupuncture that helped me alongside conventional treatments. I continue to use it on a regular basis as I feel it is a great tool for keeping me balanced and boosting my immune system.
After a career path which included property investment, legal PA/document production, stockbroking and hospitality, I decided to redirect my career in line with my core interest in health and well-being. I began my acupuncture journey in 2014, enrolling at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine. I graduated with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Kingston University. During my four years training, I was fortunate to be mentored by some of the UK’s most experienced and respected acupuncturists.
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During my final year I spent twelve months volunteering in the Treatment Support Clinic at the Penny Brohn Cancer Centre in Bristol and once again saw for myself the positive impact that acupuncture has on treating the side effects of many cancer treatments. I based my dissertation on the results patients achieved, which were overwhelmingly positive.
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I have since undertaken further professional development in Fertility, Cancer Support and Cosmetic Acupuncture.
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In my spare time I enjoy outdoor activities, I love walking and I swim in lakes, quarries and the sea all year round and love being a member of a wonderful swimming community. I practice Dragon and Tiger Medical Qigong and Meditation.
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I was excited to bring my practice to Clevedon and more recently to Weston-Super-Mare and am committed to doing the best I can for every client, working together to achieve the best result. As a member of the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (https://aac-org.uk/), I follow a strict Code of Conduct and am professionally insured. I hold a current DBS Certificate.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is one of the longest established forms of healthcare in the world. It originated in China approximately 2,500 years ago and is now practised across the globe.
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As I am trained in traditional theory, the focus is on you, the individual, rather than an isolated complaint. The physical, emotional and mental aspects of your life are seen as interdependent. I use subtle diagnostic techniques, such as taking your pulse and observing your tongue, that have been developed and refined for thousands of years. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific acupuncture points on your body to regulate and re-balance it. I may also use other techniques such as moxibustion, guasha, cupping and massage.
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Acupuncture relieves pain, reduces inflammation and restores homeostasis.
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How is this understood from a Western perspective?
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Acupuncture promotes blood flow. Blood contains the oxygen, nutrients, immune substances, hormones, analgesics and anti-inflammatories your body needs in order to heal.
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Acupuncture stimulates your body’s built-in healing mechanisms by creating ‘micro traumas’. These minute traumas stimulate your body’s ability to heal tissue injuries through your nervous system, your immune system and your hormones. As your body heals these tiny traumas, it also heals any surrounding tissue damage left over from past injuries.
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Acupuncture reduces stress by stimulating your parasympathetic nervous system. Impaired parasympathetic function is involved in a wide range of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and IBS.
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Acupuncture releases natural painkillers. On the insertion of an acupuncture needle, your brain is signaled to release chemicals such as endorphins, norepinephrine and enkephalin.
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Acupuncture relaxes tense muscles. This reduces pressure on your joint structures and nerves, thereby promoting the flow of blood into an area.
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In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence your body's homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of your brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress.
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And.... it feels good!
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN COMING FOR TREATMENT
During your initial consultation, I would like to reach a thorough understanding of your primary health concern as well as your overall health and lifestyle. This will involve a lot of questions regarding your symptoms, your medical history, your sleep patterns, your emotional well-being and your appetite and digestion.
You may feel some questions are unrelated to your primary health concern, however all of this information will help me form a picture of your overall health. I will also take your pulse and look at your tongue as well as examine any areas of muscular stress.
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Usually you would have a course of treatments. Weekly sessions are quite usual to begin with, reducing in frequency as your body responds.
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I use fine, single-use, disposable needles. The needles are typically kept in for anywhere from a few minutes to up to 20 minutes. During the treatment clients find they are usually very relaxed and quite often nod off.
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Please wear clothing that allows for easy access to your lower arms and legs as these are points most commonly used. A gown is available. Do not arrive with an empty stomach (not having eaten that day) but try not to eat immediately before treatment either. 
CUPPING
Cupping is similar to a deep tissue massage which improves the circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxes tight muscles and reduces inflammation.
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Noticeable marks show on the skin following cupping therapy. These are not painful and disappear within a week.
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Cupping therapy can help many conditions, the most common being:
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Headaches
Muscle tension and stiffness
Arthritis
Sports injuries
Fibromyalgia
Dysmenorrhea
Common cold
Asthma
Bronchitis
Allergies
Insomnia
Stress and long standing emotional trauma
MOXIBUSTION
A medicinal moxa herb placed close to the appropriate area being treated
Particularly useful in the cold season, when chronic ailments like arthritis, pain, and allergies are more prominent
Treatments are pleasant and soothing
Moxibustion uses the herb Mugwort Leaf
Moxa is mainly used for cold conditions which is why it is tremendously helpful for fertility
GUA SHA
Gua Sha is used to improve blood circulation in order to relieve muscular skeletal related pain (chronic and acute). It reduces inflammation and allows for better movement in an area of tension. It also helps drain the lymphatic system and relaxes fascia which is the connective tissue that surrounds the muscles and organs.  Gua Sha can also assist with boosting the immune system and expelling pathogens in the case a coughs or common cold.
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ACUPUNCTUREÂ AS A PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT
Acupuncture is especially helpful in reducing your susceptibility to illness. I therefore recommend my clients receive regular treatments all year round.
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Acupuncture reduces stress, which is a major factor in your immune system’s ability to fight off infection. Acupuncture stimulates and balances your immune system, creating a line of defence against any pathogens you may come across.
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Acupuncture increases your number of immune cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells and T-cells. It also enhances the immunity of those with immune-related illnesses by encouraging cells to reproduce and boost the body’s defences.
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Conventional treatments typically relieve symptoms rather than solving the underlying issue. Western medicinal treatments often aim at suppressing the immune system in the case of over activity rather than tackling the real issue. These drugs can come with unpleasant and harmful side effects.
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Acupuncture is unique in that it boosts your immune cells themselves, resulting in a more effective and long-lasting remedy for immune issues. It reduces symptoms, encourages the healing process and regulates your immune response system. Your cells communicate better with each other and thereby strengthen your defence system which, given what the global pandemic has thrown at us, we could all benefit from.
TESTIMONIALS
As a long term sufferer of chronic pain and fatigue (SLE – Lupus) complex migraines and trigeminal neuralgia, I have tried pretty much everything to reduce these problems.
It was only when I started acupuncture treatment with Dawn that I experienced an immediate and dramatic overall improvement! It was an astonishing experience…. Over time, and after each treatment I have found an improved mood and sense of control over my physical symptoms; I feel very optimistic about the huge benefit of continuing treatment.
THANK YOU.
KSW
I came to see Dawn after being diagnosed with Lyme Disease and suffering with extreme fatigue and chronic pain.  After each treatment I felt energised and optimistic, after the first treatment I awoke the following morning with no joint pain in my feet for the first time in ages.  I was full of energy, crashing again on the Friday but recharged after a restful weekend.  I have improved with each treatment and have been sleeping a lot better. What I really like about my treatment is that Dawn really listened to me and was careful to follow up with me at every stage. I felt very cared for.  Thank you Dawn.
RC
I was very impressed after seeing Dawn as her questioning was very thorough. I had neck and shoulder pain, which at times radiated down my arms. Dawn carefully felt the area before she treated with acupuncture. She also used guasha which I really liked and felt much more movement in the neck area afterwards. Now after seeing Dawn for five treatments I feel greater flexibility and am without pain. Throughout this time I felt in very capable hands. Very grateful to you Dawn, many thanks.
SW
I sought Dawn's help for severe toothache whilst awaiting root canal treatment.  I had been taking back to back painkillers but nothing was touching it. Following treatment, I was able to discontinue the pain medication for the few days before my dental treatment began.
HT
Dawn has been treating me for 3 months now. I have found her very compassionate and professional.
I came to Dawn suffering with a lack of sleep and also vertigo and dizziness. Since having treatment the vertigo has gone and I am sleeping much better. I have also found my general well being and both physical and mental health have improved significantly. I plan to continue with regular booster treatments. I am delighted with the success of my treatment and am so grateful to have Dawn to help me.
AR
Dawn has been treating me for very longstanding chronic fatigue. She has been able to improve my energy levels, my sleep and my digestion. We have discussed and modified my diet to complement the treatment which helps me feel that I am taking control of my own wellbeing.
Dawn is very empathetic and works in a lovely relaxing treatment room. I look forward to our sessions.
SB
"natural forces within us are the true healers of disease"
Hippocrates
