Appointment Information
Initial Appointments
Your initial consultation is your time to fully explain your health concerns, problems and goals. We will have an in depth discussion focusing on these issues and any past medical history. Due to the thorough, holistic approach of acupuncture we will then have a discussion on your general health, day to day lifestyle and bodily functions. This enables us to see a full and clear picture and evaluate root causes and imbalances. We love details, those random symptoms that you think have nothing to do with your main problem and usually get disregarded - we want to know it all! Non-invasive diagnostic testing will be carried out which will form a bigger picture of your health according to Traditional Chinese Medicine interpretations. This will include pulse taking and an observation of the tongue. It may also be necessary to observe any areas of the body that may be causing concern, whereby gentle palpation may also be carried out. A diagnosis will be composed, and an appropriate and individualised treatment plan will be formulated to treat both the symptoms and the underlying cause. This will be fully explained and any questions answered before the treatment begins.
Follow On Appointments
Appointments following the initial consultation will last approximately 50 minutes. A short discussion will be completed to establish how treatment is going, current health and any new complaints. The treatment plan will be assessed according to this information and and then it is your time to relax whilst the treatment is carried out.
General FAQ's
I believe strongly in the value of acupuncture, working alongside conventional medicine, providing individuals with an integrative approach for the best results possible. Acupuncture is also commonly sought after for the relief of conventional medicine side effects. Any current treatments or medications will be discussed in your consultation but if you have any concerns beforehand please get in touch or ask your GP.
Many health insurance companies now recognise acupuncture and will have it included within their policies. All policies and claim amounts are do vary so please check with your insurance provider first. I am registered with the BAcC and can provide receipts on request.
What should I wear?
This is entirely up to you. Acupuncture needles can be placed all over the body, needle locations are chosen depending on your individual treatment plan. This will be discussed with you and if you are not comfortable with any needles or their location, we can readjust. Some people chose to wear baggy clothing that can just be pulled up to access needle sites and others find it more comfortable to remove clothing and relax under the provided towels.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
The needles used for acupuncture are so fine that many people do not even feel insertion, others may feel a slight sensation. A tingling sensation or dull ache is sometimes experienced during treatment, this is normal and does not last long. Most people find acupuncture relaxing and feel a sense of calm during and after treatment.
How many appointments will I need?
Treatment plans are individual and as such, the number of appointments needed will differ. It is very dependant on the type of condition being treated, acute or chronic and how well the individual body responds to acupuncture. The more frequent appointments are attended the better and gradually appointments can be spaced out as the condition improves, with many people then just attending for ‘top up’ sessions. Acupuncture is a cumulative treatment and for best results, generally it is recommend to attend an appointment every week for the first 4 to 6 weeks (twice a week is even better but is not often manageable for many), we can then assess progress on an individual basis.
Acupuncture is also a preventative therapy, after experiencing the overall effects of treatment, many people will continue monthly sessions even when there 'main problem' has been resolved.
Can I have acupuncture if I am receiving conventional medicine care?
Can I claim my acupuncture appointments on my private health insurance?
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss how acupuncture may be able to help you, please feel free to get in touch.
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07854825975