PJ Cousin M.B.Ac.C is a London registered acupuncturist and herbalist with 30 years experience in acupuncture and natural medicine;
he also learned massage, homeopathy, Eastern and Western Herbalism as well as acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.PJ Cousin taught acupuncture and all these subjects for 12 years in this country and abroad. A prolific writer he has worked as a contributor on nine books, including 3 volumes of an encyclopedia; as a sole author, he has written three best selling books: "Facelift at your fingertips", "Natural recipes for a perfect skin" and "Food is Medicine".
Pain Clinic:
I run walk-in pain management clinic Monday to Friday
I use traditional acupuncture and electro-acupuncture for rapid pain relief in a wide range of chronic or acute painful conditions including: Back and neck pain, severe lower back pain, shoulder pain, joint pain, muscle spasm, tendinitis, tennis elbow,repetitive strain injury, Plantar fasciitis, sport Injuries, arthritis, fibromyalgia,
diabetic neuropathy,
migraine, headache, PMS, menstrual pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chronic sinusitis.
Fertility Clinic
With acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and homeopathy I can treat endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, “unexplained” or “secondary” infertility,’ and male fertility issues.
I can also help increase the chances of success at IVF/IUI as well as offering support to women during pregnancy and childbirth.
I have 25 years experience in acupuncture for the treatment fertility, and conditions associated with pregnancy and afterbirth
My two children were born naturally with the help of acupuncture and homeopathy
Skin Clinic
I treat eczema and other skin problems in adults and children using Chinese herbs, acupuncture and Homeopathy, often in combination; this allow me to get good results with mild treatment.
I prefer to use homeopathy for babies and young children, and often combine Chinese herbs and acupuncture for adults.
Not all skin conditions can be cured, but it is often possible to minimise the condition or force it into remission; many types of eczema, skin rashes and inflammations respond quickly to treatment.
Wellness clinic:
Not everybody come to see me when they are ill; I treat a lot of people to maintain them in good health, making sure that their energy level is good, and that they have a strong immune system; treatments such as acupuncture and homeopathy are very effective in alleviating stress, anxiety, mild depression, insomnia and many other stress related conditions.
I give also advice on diet, and stress management.
People with stress related conditions such as anxiety, or IBS benefit tremendously from just a few treatments in a year
see list on the conditions treated page
By Alice Hart-Davis and Gita Mendis 08.05.01
ACUPUNCTURE
The ancient chinese art of sticking very fine needles into precise points along the body's meridians, or energy channels, to treat disease and maintain health. Not as painful as it sounds, and good for almost anything chronic, from skin problems, via migraines and digestive problems, to insomnia.
Pierre-Jean Cousin: charming and renowned also as a Chinese herbalist and homeopath. Kensington Therapy Centre, W8 (020 7376 1199).
Daily Telegraph Top 20 health gurus
Last Updated: 12:01am GMT 03/11/2007
Page 1 of 3
Pierre-Jean Cousin: acupuncture The tall, grey-haired, bespectacled Frenchman has a reassuringly competent manner and a no-nonsense approach to treatment. That's just as well, since clients include some pernickety members of the Royal Family. ''He's rather sardonic and French,'' reports one patient. ''If you say 'Ow' when he sticks in a needle, he shrugs and says, 'But I can feel nothing.'''
The Kensington Therapy Centre, 213 Kensington High Street, London W8 (020 7376 1199); and at Cure-by-Nature, 95 Replingham Road, Southfields, London SW18 (020 8875 1101; www.cure-by-nature.co.uk); £50.
Here is what some of my clients have written to me:
Thank you for all your help and support over the last few months, as I said before when we had Theo - I dont think we could have done it without you!
(email) Lindsey B
Surrey
Thank you so much for everything you did to help bring my baby boy into this world - you will never know how much I appreciate all the help and advice that you gave me.
(Email) Helen S
Kingston
Cradling a sweet little boy, 7lbs 11oz born at 3pm this afternoon
Thank You for all your help
( text) Lucy
London
Our daughter Olivia was born last night at 11.30pm
we are so happy
Thank you thank you thank you!
Emma
Hi PJ, look who arrived in time for Xmas!
Maisey was born on 23rd dec at 16.03
i am so happy, happy xmas and thank you for your help
(text and photo) Alison
London
Acupuncture is part of a system of medicine which originated in China thousands years ago.
The principal method of treatment with acupuncture is by insertion of very fine needles into points which lie beneath the skin.
These points may also be treated by warming with a burning herb (moxibustion)on acupuncture points along meridians, by gentle electrical pulse (electro-acupuncture), or by laser.
Acupuncture is world wide: it is used in almost every country in the world.
It is estimated that there are presently 3 millions practicing acupuncturists, including barefoot doctors.
Acupuncture takes years to learn: a qualified practitioner needs many years of study and clinical practice in order to refine his diagnostic and therapeutic skills, acupuncture is a complex system which requires extensive study of the classical theory, profound knowledge of both theory and practice, and the necessary background in western medicine as well.
The classical theory
This is based on the dual interaction of yin and yang, and the uninterrupted flow of energy along the 14 meridians of acupuncture. Disease is caused, according to the classics, by either an imbalance between yin and yang, or a blockage or interruption of the flow of energy, along the acupuncture meridians.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, or acupuncture meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues.
An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.
The acupuncture meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians.
Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians,thus re-establishing balance between YIN and YANG, finely tuning the flow of life energy, removing blockages along "meridian" pathways.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.
These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture treatment results in stimulating the body's
natural healing abilities, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
What is the scope of acupuncture?
Acupuncture can influence three major areas of health care: . promotion of health and well-being, . prevention of illness, . treatment of a variety of pathologies.
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
Respiratory System:
asthma, chest infections, bronchitis.
Cardiovascular:
palpitations, angina, chest pain, poor circulation, hypertension.
Digestive System:
stomach ulcer, gastritis, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, colitis, constipation or diarrhoea.
Genito-Urinary:
cystitis, prostatitis, bed wetting.
Gynaecological:
premenstrual syndrome, menstrual pain, irregular period, lack of, or excessive menstruation, infertility, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms.
Neurological:
effect of strokes, trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, Bell's palsy.
Locomotor:
sport injuries, pain, stiffness, fibrositis, lumbago, sciatica, rheumatism, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendinitis
Psychological:
anxiety, depression, phobias, agitation, insomnia, stress.
General:
malaise, low energy, poor vitality, recurrent illness, fatigue.
Ear, Nose, Throat:
sinusitis, hay fever, tinnitus, recurrent sore throat, mouth ulcers, etc.
Others:
migraine, tension, hormonal imbalance, pains of all kind.
Skin Diseases:
eczema, psoriasis, etc. Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.
How
many treatments are needed?
The
number of acupuncture treatments varies
according to the condition treated. The
statistics carried out in my practice show an
average of 8 treatments per person. Usually, 4
to 6 treatments are needed initially at weekly
intervals; then a few more acupuncture
treatments are required on longer periods of
time to make sure that the condition does not
reoccur.
Does
it hurt?
The needles are thin like a hair and certainly
have nothing in common with a syringe needle. A
slight prickling sensation is felt as the
needle pierces the skin and sometimes a
tingling sensation is experienced while the
needles are in place.
How
many needles are used in one treatment
?
Two to eight points needled bilaterally in one
acupuncture treatment is about the average.
What
should you expect?
Everyone's response to acupuncture treatment is
different, so I don't have preconceived ideas
or rigid expectations.
Some people quickly feel much better, while
some don't notice any immediate changes. Often
the first changes to occur improve the overall
state of health, and one will experience better
sleeping, feeling more relaxed or "even". A
feeling of lightness and well-being are also
common. As the whole person is treated,
emotional, mental and physical changes happen
together. The symptoms might still be present,
but they will lessen with time. Since it took
time to get the disease, it will take time to
cure it.
Are
there any side effects to the
treatment?Usually
not. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen
for a day; it should not cause concern, as this
is simply an indication that the acupuncture is
starting to work. It is quite common with the
first one or two acupuncture treatments to have
a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild
disorientation immediately following the
treatment..
Do
i have to believe in acupuncture for it to
work?
No.
Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs,
horses and other animals. These animal patients
do not understand or believe in the process
that helps them get better. A constructive
attitude toward a better health may reinforce
the effects of the treatment received.
Are
there any "DO'S and DON'TS" on the day of a
treatment?
Yes, the following guidelines are important: Do
not eat a very large meal immediately before or
after an acupuncture treatment. Do not
over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or
consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours
before or after acupuncture. Plan your
activities so that after the treatment you can
get some rest.This is especially important for
the first few visits. Continue to take any
prescription medicines as directed by your
doctor.Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol)
especially in the week prior to treatment, will
seriously interfere with the effectiveness of
acupuncture. Remember to keep good mental or
written notes of what your response is to the
treatment. This is important for your
practitioner to know so that the follow-up
acupuncture treatments can be designed to best
help you and your problem.
He also practice acupuncture at the London Kensington Therapy Centre in Kensington High Street
Acupuncture London: fertility clinics for acupuncture and complementary medicine at 95 Replingham Road London SW18 5LU
and 211-213 kensington High Street London W8 6BD