Initial Appointment
First appointments will last 1 hour 30 mins and consist of a consultation and first treatment. This is your chance to fully explain and discuss any reasons for your visit and health concerns that you have. After this discussion a full medical history will be taken, including current and past health conditions, as well as details regarding bodily functions and lifestyle (including appetite, diet, sleep etc). 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 (especially for musculoskeletal complaints), 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. The first treatment will take place within the same appointment, unless already discussed otherwise.
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 treatment will be carried out. Treatments plans are all individual and as such, the number of treatments needed will differ., this also depends on the type of condition, acute or chronic and how well the individual body responds to acupuncture. Generally, 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.
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.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique, used to move Blood and Qi stagnation or eliminate Cold or Heat pathogens. Suction is created by using glass or plastic cups with either fire or a hand pump, drawing up the skin and superficial muscle layer. This will produce cupping marks on the skin that will fade within 10 days. Cupping is often used for musculoskeletal problems, colds and coughs and digestive issues.
Cupping is also offered as a stand alone treatment
There are several other techniques that may be used to enhance your acupuncture treatment when deemed needed or suitable. These will always be discussed first but are briefly explained here.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (moxa) involves a herb commonly known as mugwort (artemisia vulgaris) being burnt in order to warm an acupuncture point. This is achieved by either placing the moxa directly on the skin, just above it or on an acupuncture needle. The herb is lit and as it smoulders slowly, heat permeates the skin and affects the flow of Qi and Blood in the area being treated.
Tui Na
Tui Na is a form of massage therapy that follows the same principles of acupuncture. A series of kneading, rolling, tapping, and pressing motions are carried out along meridians and acupressure points to promote the flow of Qi, and ultimately facilitate healing in the body.
Gua Sha
A healing technique that involves the use of a round edged instrument to be pressed and stroked along the skin. This will not cause pain but releases 'Sha' that appears as petechia (red dots) on the area treated. This release of Sha brings about a relief of pain and stiffness and is used for many conditions that involve pain, discomfort and tension, as well as respiratory and digestive problems.
Electro Acupuncture
A fairly modern technique that is used alongside traditional acupuncture when appropriate. Often used for musculoskeletal problems, an electric stimulation device is attached by clips to a set of needles to deliver a continuous pulse (similar to a tens machine). Delivering a deeper and wider stimulation on the targeted muscles and allowing increased blood flow to facilitate healing.
Clinics
Waddington, Lincoln
Monday 9.30am-3.00pm
Wednesday 9.30am-5.00pm
Friday 9.30am-3.00pm
Prices
Initial Consultation (90 mins) £60
(Includes first treatment)
Follow On Treatment (50 mins) £40
Cupping (30 mins) £25
Burton Joyce, Nottingham
(Burton Joyce Osteopathy)
Tuesday 12.00pm - 7.00pm
Prices
Initial Consultation (90 mins) £60
(Includes first treatment)
Follow On Treatment (50 mins) £45
Cupping (30 mins) £25
I may be able to accommodate appointments on other days and times at the Waddington clinic, please get in touch if needed.