Dr Stephen Hopwood M.B.ChB Lic.Ac (M.B.Ac.C)

 Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Remedies, Supplements 

Dr. Stephen Hopwood is a Holistic Physician, having qualified in 1986 with a degree in medicine from Bristol University. He has worked as an NHS hospital doctor and as an NHS General Practitioner.
Dr. Hopwood has studied acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in China (1983) and the U.K. and has been registered with the British Acupuncture Council since 1989.  He has studied traditional Chinese herbal medicine, modern nutritional therapy and the use of vitamins and minerals as dietary supplements.  In his clinical practice he combines the use of contemporary health advice with supportive counseling.
Dr Hopwood has two sons, lives on Dartmoor and spends his leisure time mountain-biking and practicing Tai Chi. He has a passion for modern politics and a close relationship with the rest of his family who live locally.

Health – the body’s ability to heal.
Conventional Western medicine treats disease mostly by suppressing symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause unwelcome side effects and can also be toxic.  These chemical prescriptions often do little or nothing to support our body`s capacity to heal itself. In the long term they can create dependency and even significantly undermine our health.
Our bodies have an inherent ability to heal themselves, constantly regenerating, regulating and re-building our health. Holistic Medicine understands these principles and naturally supports our body in its capacity to rejuvenate, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of disease, to re-establish homeostasis.
Over 20 years of clinical experience has shown Dr. Hopwood that holistic integrated medicine has a proven ability to build the foundations for vitality and genuine well-being. By physically fortifying the body’s own healing functions, a real opportunity is provided for symptoms to resolve and for sustainable optimal health to be achieved.
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Tai Chi
Chinese Medicine has been practiced for over 3,000 years and is a highly evolved system of diagnosis and treatment.  Modern science is now confirming the existence of electrical/energy pathways in the body that relate to our internal organs, emotional states and physical health. Acupuncture works by regulating these electrical pathways, balancing energy, clearing blockages and cultivating our body’s own natural healing reserves or Qi.
Chinese herbal medicine uses unique natural compounds that have been proved to work by specifically addressing excesses and deficiencies in our organ function and by building health and vitality.  Working together, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs are an excellent, tried and tested way, to treat symptoms and deal with the underlying causes of disease.
Dr Hopwood also runs workshops in Tai Chi and Qi Gong in Totnes and the classes provide a wonderful opportunity to relax, have some fun and take some exercise.  He explains the art and science of this ancient healing/martial discipline and shows how to develop and balance your Qi-Energy and how this relates to the five elements, natural rhythms and to dance.
Holistic integrated Medicine – for optimal health
Modern medical biochemistry now has a clear knowledge of the physiological needs of the body and what is required for optimal health. Through observing the health of different cultures, their diets and their mineral intake and through clinical trials, western trained doctors now understand for example, how to strengthen the thyroid, fortify the bones and build the immune system, effectively.
The Japanese today have half our incidence of breast cancer, half our neonatal mortality rate and a much lower incidence of heart disease and thyroid diseases, than we do here in the west. In accordance with Holistic principles, Dr. Hopwood regularly supplements essential minerals like Iodine, Magnesium and Mineral Salts at a level that can provide the same sort of health benefits that the Japanese have been enjoying for centuries.
Dr. Hopwood will explain these principles and show you how to put simple solutions into practise in your daily life. Using an alkalising de-tox programme and regular monitoring, you will be supported in the building of a stronger foundation for your long-term optimal health.
Commonly Treated Conditions
Dr. Hopwood is also a specialist in using Acupuncture for pain relief.  He regularly treats back pain, sciatica, arthritis, and other musculo – skeletal conditions. Acupuncture is also used to treat other painful conditions such as headaches, neuralgia, period pain and digestive discomfort.
Depression and anxiety, stress and fatigue, insomnia and high blood pressure, pre-menstrual tension and menopausal symptoms are all frequently treated.  Asthma, eczema, psoriasis, poor circulation, gout, thyroid disease, recurrent infection and fibromyalgia all also respond well.
Chinese herbs, dietary advice, vitamin/mineral supplements, Tai Chi exercises and good counseling all complement a course of acupuncture and facilitate a truly integrated approach which allows for a whole range of conditions to be effectively treated.
Once specific symptoms have been treated successfully it is traditionally recommended to have some low maintenance acupuncture, to address chronic health patterns, to cultivate vitality and to enable review of your sustainable health program.
Your Appointments
Your first and second consultations with Dr. Hopwood will last for about an hour and twenty minutes and subsequent appointments will last about an hour. Dr. Hopwood values the traditional doctor /patient relationship and offers time to discuss the ways in which your general health and lifestyle relate to a specific problem.
Dr Hopwood will take a detailed medical history, check your pulse and observe your tongue.  He will want to know how you work, eat, sleep and relax. This information will support a clear diagnosis and enable him to offer a comprehensive treatment program.
Your acupuncture session will take place in a warm, comfortable, private treatment room and you will always remain clothed throughout.  The treatment will use acupuncture points mainly on your lower arms and legs and use very fine disposable needles. You’ll be relaxing for between 20 and 40 minutes, during which time people report feeling calm, centred and revitalised.
Dr Hopwood will outline a clear health protocol, with supporting information, detailing what herbs, minerals and supplements you may need to take and when. He will explain any tests that may need to be carried out and contact your G.P. as necessary.

To book an appointment please

call 01803 868282

Email: dr.stephen@arcturusclinic.co.uk