Your questions answered, if you have further questions email or phone.
Initial Acupuncture Treatment
The initial consultation will take around 1 hour 30 minutes. I will take a full case history which involves asking questions regarding your medical history. It would be useful if you could bring a list of any medication you take and the dosage prescribed when you come for your first treatment. I will then inquire into your symptoms, sleep, appetite, your digestive system, pain or any other concerns you might have. This is relevant to form a diagnosis from a Chinese Medicine point of view. I will then continue with a physical examination which consists of pulse taking of both hands, looking at your tongue, taking your blood pressure and palpate certain points on your front and back along with examining your physical structure.
Follow up Acupuncture Treatment
The follow up consultation will last around one hour and I will get an update on your progress. I will always start with taking your pulses on each hand before starting the treatment. The pulse taking is a major part in diagnosing as it gives the practitioner a picture of not only the current state of the patients health, but also previous health issues and stresses the patient has been through. An experienced practitioner can find 6 different pulses on each wrist and would be able to detect up to 28 different qualities on the pulses. This would take years of intensive training and clinical experience. Looking at the tongue also gives the practitioner an indication of the current state of your health. The practitioner will the start the treatment based on the diagnosis made of the individual patient. The interval and length of your treatment will depend on the nature of your concern or illness. Some conditions may require more intensive treatments initially before spreading the treatment to fortnightly or monthly sessions.
Acupuncture Fees
The initial appointment is 1½ hours long and costs £75.
The follow up appointments are up to 1 hour long and costs £55.
The follow up appointments for teenagers/students are 45 mins long and cost £45.
Facial Rejuvenation is 1½ hours long and costs £75.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept cards, cash, cheque, bank transfer.
How often will I need treatment?
In acupuncture theory everyone is considered to be unique. Treatment numbers varies with the nature of your condition. I recommend 3-4 treatments per week initially, and I would always recommend coming for at least 6 treatments over a period of 4-6 weeks. This is essential to help turn things around for the condition of the patient. By the end of a period of 4-6 treatments you will have a good idea of how Acupuncture can help. You can then plan future treatments and spread them out according to your needs and the progress of the treatment.
Does it hurt?
Most people do not tend to feel much of a sensation when the needle penetrates the skin. However, when the needle connects with the energy related to a specific acupuncture point, one tend to feel a sensation that is described as a dull ache, a thug or a zing that may feel intense, but only for a second or two. The needles used by an acupuncturist are very thin and fine, completely different from those used by doctors and nurses to give injections.
How quickly will I feel the benefit of my treatment?
Some people will feel instant improvement after the treatment, for other the effect of the treatment will be more significant the following day.
Does it work?
Yes, it does work! i would recommend finding a well qualified practitioner that is registered with a professional body, like the British Acupuncture Council. The British Acupuncture Council have produced a number of fact sheets you might find useful. As a member of BAcC one is required to continually update and refine the practice through continual professional development (CPD). When you find a suitable practitioner you will have gained access to a system of medicine that is subtle, powerful and effective.
What other techniques is used along side Acupuncture?
Moxibustion
Cupping
Gua Sha
Read more here
Does Acupuncture have side effects?
Most people feel very calm and relaxed after Acupuncture treatment. You might want to take into account that you might feel very sleepy after treatment and put in time for a break before driving or operating heavy machinery. Slight bruising of the skin can happen, but his will fade away after a few days.
Who comes for treatment?
People of all ages, small children up to elderly patients can benefit from acupuncture treatments. Both acute and chronic conditions are treated successfully by acupuncture. Many patients have found the benefit from acupuncture as a preventative measure as you don’t have to suffer from an illness to have acupuncture. It is an excellent treatment to increase your energy level, sleeping better better or just feeling more relaxed.
Do I need to tell my doctor that I come for treatment?
If you receive treatment from your doctor it makes sense to tell him or her that you plan to have acupuncture treatment. likewise you should always tell your acupuncturist what western treatment you are undertaking and also provide a list of any drugs that you are taking as this may affect the response of the treatment. It is safe to have acupuncture treatments when taking medication. Acupuncture may help you to reduce or stop taking some medications, but that is always done in conjunction with your G.P. to enable safe practice. Acupuncture can also be beneficial in reducing side effects of some drugs taken.
Does private health care cover the cost of the treatment?
Many health insurance plans does cover acupuncture, please check with your provider for further details
