What to Expect
Acupuncture is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which as a whole includes herbal medicine, massage (tui na), exercise (qigong) and dietary therapy. TCM thinks about health and illness distinctly differently from other types of medicine, for example, western medicine; this offers a completely different approach to maintaining health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been refined over thousands of years. The focus is on you as an individual and not the illness; all of your symptoms, physical, mental and emotional are seen in relation to one another. Each person is unique so two people with the same western diagnosis may well receive different acupuncture treatments.
Your First Appointment
Your first appointment is generally 1.5 hours long and is designed to map a clear picture of your health, why you have decided to come for acupuncture and what you would like to achieve. This time is used to get to know you and your health concern (or concerns) which is a vital part of the initial consultation, this ensures that your treatment is entirely tailored towards you and what is important.
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During your consultation you will be asked questions about your medical history and questions about your current symptoms and health. Questions about energy, sleeping pattern, digestion and emotional wellbeing. Woman will also be asked about their menstrual cycle, any past pregnancies and childbirth.
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Some questions asked may seem that they do not relate to your current condition but the information will be used to provide a more complete picture of your health and wellbeing.
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Your pulse on both wrists will be taken, with observation of your tongue along with an examination of muscular areas of tension or pain.
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Once a clear picture of your health has been formed, we will talk about your treatment options and agree on a personalised treatment plan.
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When you are comfortable on the couch, single-use, ultra-fine needles are placed at acupuncture points. Some people do feel the sensation of these, but rarely are they described as painful.
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The needles are usually left in place between 20 - 30 minutes depending on what is being treated and your overall condition. I will often leave you to relax but at all times be contactable.
Most people find acupuncture very relaxing and often fall asleep during treatment.
Lifestyle and dietary advice are sometimes given following treatment. Most patients find these very useful.
Follow Up Treatment
Follow up treatments usually last 1 hour. Your treatment and progress is continually reviewed to ensure that your treatment and health goals are progressing as you expect. If necessary, I may suggest (or refer you to) other health practitioners.
How should I prepare for my visit?
Many acupuncture points are located on the lower arms and legs so it is helpful to wear loose clothing that enables access to these areas.
Try to avoid being treated after a large meal or on an empty stomach
What should I expect after treatment?
The majority of people find acupuncture very relaxing and feel very calm following treatment. As you may feel a little tired or sleepy you should take this into account if you are planning to drive or operate heavy machinery straight after your treatment.
You should refrain from vigorous exercise following treatment and ideally give yourself some time to rest. Try not to drink alcohol for several hours following treatment.
Acupuncture has very few side effects, if any do occur these are often self-correcting and mild. Occasionally, symptoms may flare up briefly following treatment; this is usually short lived and followed by an overall improvement.
You can contact Sian at any time on email or phone if you have any questions about your treatment.
Other Techniques
Massage is typically used during treatment to help relax muscles and aid with diagnosis; depending on your condition and following discussion, other techniques may be used alongside the acupuncture. Other techniques can be seen below.
If you would like to discuss these techniques further please get in contact.
Cupping Therapy
Suction cups are used to encourage the release of toxin build up and muscle waste from the bodies deeper tissues to the surface. Once on the surface it is much easier for the body to dispose of these toxins.
Moxibustion
A form of heat therapy - Moxa (dried mugwort leaves) is burnt close to the skin creating a nourishing heat. Many patients really enjoy this therapy and can be taught the technique to undertake at home to enhance treatment.
Electro-Acupuncture
Very similar to acupuncture but involves stimulating two needles with electrical current. Patients usually feel a slight tingling or vibration like you would with a tens machine.
Gua Sha
Also called scraping & graston - A smooth flat tool is gently scraped across tissues & muscles to break up muscle adhesions and encourage blood flow. This does not break the skin & is usually not painful to receive.
Kinesiology Taping
Therapeutic tape that is applied strategically to certain parts of the body to provide support, reduce swelling, and lessen pain.
Auricular & Ear Seeds
Small seeds on plasters that are used to stimulate acupressure points on your ear; these are usually left on for a few days and can be massaged by yourself three to four times a day or when you have symptoms.
