Information for New Patients
What is Acupuncture?
The principle aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.
Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and the East for thousands of years. Although often prescribed as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat a wide range of illnesses. According to traditional Chinese philosophy our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy – known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) – flowing through a series of meridians (channels) throughout the body.
The flow of Qi can become disturbed by a number of factors, including emotional states, such as anxiety, stress, anger, poor nutrition, hereditary factors, environment, trauma and work. If the body’s energy becomes too imbalanced illness may result. The insertion of fine needles into the channels of energy, stimulates the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance.
Who Has Acupuncture?
Anybody! Whether seeking to boost your health and immune system or wishing to tackle an acute or longstanding problem, anyone can try acupuncture. You will be treated according to specific, individual need. Please see Initial consultation.
Treatment of Children.
I treat juniors from about the age of 8 providing a parent/guardian is present.
Hygiene.
All needles are disposable and individually blister packed, made from high grade surgical steel in a sterile environment.
The clinic is cleaned between each patient and disposable couch roll is used for each person.
Handwashing is a prerequisite to any treatment, since needles are to be inserted clients are requested to be clean and to avoid the use of lotions, fake tan etc.. pre treatment.
Your First Visit
During your first visit you will be asked about the condition for which you are receiving treatment. You will be asked in some detail about your general health, medical history and lifestyle. It is also necessary to take your pulse and look at your tongue, as these provide additional, important diagnostic information and helps build a picture of the various energetic imbalances in your system.
How many treatments should you receive?
Acupuncture works with an individual’s energy to facilitate the body’s own natural healing. The rate at which a person responds to treatment depends on factors, such as age, lifestyle, length of time with condition. Expected number of treatments can therefore be difficult to predict, in which case a likely range is given, combined with lifestyle advice, regular reviews and reassessment.
Reactions to Acupuncture treatment
For most patients, an acupuncture treatment is relaxing and restful, leaving them slightly tired but with no significant side affects. Occasionally, an acupuncture point may bleed slightly (spot) after being needled and this stops within a second or two. Bruising is another rare side effect and should be mentioned at the clinic during the following visit.
Advice for preparation and after care
It is best to eat a light meal before coming for treatment. Since you may feel slightly tired after treatment it is best to avoid heavy exertion, large meals and very hot baths for the rest of the day. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol before and after acupuncture treatment.