Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain and strengthen the body's natural defence. See below for a list of conditions that can be treated with acupuncture.
I went to see Camille as, three months after coming off the pill, I hadn't had a period, and I wanted to start trying for a baby. I had never had acupuncture before but – after doing some research – had discovered that it might help.
Camille is amazing: very professional but easy to talk to; interested in me and infectiously enthusiastic about acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I was immediately at ease, and felt really positive after my first session. I went back the following week – and then she was away for a week…. during which time I discovered (to my huge surprise and delight) that I was pregnant! I had conceived less than a week after my first session.
I have been back to see Camille several times during my first trimester, and am now 16 weeks pregnant. I am looking forward to seeing her again later in my pregnancy. I really can't recommend Camille – and acupuncture generally – highly enough. They have totally changed my life!
Hanna B. Editor, 2009
"I met Camille several months ago. I was in a very dark, annoying and difficult place then. I turned to acupuncture in order to find some relief for my depression, headaches, low energy and sleep disturbance.
Luckily, I found her! Fresh and enthusiastic about her work, with warm and empathic relationship with her patients and above all a "light" hand for acupuncture.
After only several treatments I felt much, much better, my headaches were gone, I slept very well and my energy was returning to the usual level. Within the next month I had my smile back and my wonderful colourful clothes out of the wardrobe again. I have got my life back and my husband and my family have got the person that they use to know.
I am still seeing Camille on regular bases, just in case. It is always so nice to see her and I definitely do not want to slip into that unrecognisable person again. I can be overstressed, overworked and very active woman, as every other woman on this planet, but I can cope more easily with that now.
Thank you very much Camille, and see you soon for another treatment.
Anna M. 2008
I am a 46 year old male who has suffered from episodic Cluster Headaches for four years. These headaches are now thought to be caused by an excess of nerve cells produced near the Hypothalamus gland which trigger the Trigeminal nerve to switch to maximum ‘volume’. The pain is hard to imagine. Female sufferers have likened its intensity to that of childbirth. In November last year the condition became chronic. I was having up to six attacks of extreme, debilitating pain every day. My sleep pattern was a mess and every part of life was suffering. I was slipping into a state of abstraction and depression. I had never experienced these feelings before. Conventional medicine’s approach to the condition is limited to pain management (normal analgesics are ineffective ) and of the administration of drugs like Verapamil, which often only provide temporary relief and have a high incidence of serious side-effects. A close friend of mine realised how desperate I was and urged me to try acupuncture before committing to heavy doses of invasive drugs. She put me in touch with Camille Van de Velde at the Helix Clinic. Camille was kind enough to come to my home the same night and carefully listened to the problems I was having. She explained to me the holistic approach that a trained acupuncturist uses to treat headaches. Treatment began immediately and concentrated on weaknesses in my liver and gall bladder functions. I have to confess I was a sceptic at first, but with regular treatment and having introduced some lifestyle changes suggested by Camille my condition began to improve dramatically. The headaches became less severe and much less frequent. To date I have only suffered one headache in the last two weeks. Cluster sufferers will also recognise the significance of a gradual improvement, as almost without exception the headaches stop instantly within a normal cycle. I cannot describe the relief I am experiencing. My general health and energy levels are remarkable. Camille’s approach has been professional at all times and I never felt she was prolonging the treatment more than required. If you are reading this and are undecided, I strongly recommend that you try acupuncture as an alternative to the usual cycle of unimaginative diagnosis and prescription drugs. It might just change your life !!
Neil B. Entrepreneur, 2008
"Camille's treatment of my back has been incredibly helpful. I am a leisure marathon runner, but in April-May 2006 I had an increasingly strong backpain which forced me to stop running. I had physioterapy for half a year but it did not seem to give more than very temporary relief.
I saw Camille for the first time in November last year, and after two months of treatment I could start to run again. Her treatment has a deep effect and I feel as though she has re-balanced the back and addressed the underlying problem. In addition to the acupuncture Camille gives massage and cupping, all of which adds up to a luxury treatment which revitalises and reinvigorates."
Eva O. Banker 2007
"I decided to try acupuncture pre-IVF, as there had been a lot of publicity surrounding success rates. I was fairly nervous about treatment and so was relieved to meet Camille and find myself in comfortable surroundings.
After four sessions I was more relaxed, less depressed, and re-energised. I continued treatment and am now 15 weeks pregnant after IVF. I'm sceptical about cures, but I can honestly say that Camille and acupuncture really helped me through a very difficult time, with fantastic results.
Camille is a genuine, sensitive, dedicated and professional practitioner who ensures a high level of care."
Emma B. 2007
Before having acupuncture I was nervous about having it, but camille's gentle approach instantly put me at ease. It's a treat to make space in a busy schedule to relax & rebalance my energy. One session with Camille completely resolved my Sciatica problems, my skin is clearer, I'm sleeping better and my stress levels have fallen considerably. Thanks Camille, you 're a star!
Rhiannon H. Designer, 2007
I first came to Camille for acupuncture in January 2007. I saw very quickly that she is a caring and warm person (with a good sense of humor) and felt very comfortable and at ease from the start. She first conducted a thorough examination of my problem (Tinnitus) by asking many questions, and told me it was very important to answer as accurately as possible. Once this was done she began the treatment. This was painless and relaxing, so much that afterwards I really looked forward to the next session. After 5 sessions a started to notice a clear change in the tone and volume of my tinnitus- it became much higher and thinner- i was amazed. Unfortunately I then became very busy and could not continue the sessions, but will in the future as I am very curious to see how quiet the tinnitus could get. Camille is an extremely competent acupuncturist as well as a wonderful person that I am privileged to call my friend.
Joe Z., Musician, 2007
Related page: What is Acupuncture