Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Its focus is on improving the overall well-being of the patient as well as the treatment of specific symptoms. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as Qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through the body. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma. By inserting fine needles, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance. The skill of an acupuncturist lies in their ability to make a traditional diagnosis from what is often a complex pattern of disharmony. The exact pattern and degree of disharmony is unique to each individual and with traditional acupuncture will be treated as such with a personalised treatment plan.

About your treatment

During your first visit you will be asked about the condition for which you are seeking treatment.  You will also be asked in some detail about your general health, medical history and lifestyle.  All of this is important information in order to be able to make a diagnosis in Chinese Medicine.  For your Acupuncture treatment you may be required to remove some clothing, depending on your condition.  Most patients are treated lying on a couch for maximum relaxation.  Sitting positions are possible for those with mobility problems.  As well as acupuncture needles, you may also be treated with ‘moxa’; a warming herb which is burned gently on an acupuncture needle, or with ‘cupping’; a glass cup placed on the skin with a suction created inside the cup.  You may also have Acupressure massage as part of your treatment.  Once the needles are in place the Acupuncturist may leave the room for a short while in order for you to fully relax and benefit from the treatment.  You can call the Acupuncturist back into the room at any time.  Lifestyle advice (particularly on diet) will be offered as part of your treatment where appropriate.  You have the right to say no to any part of your proposed treatment at any time. 

How Acupuncture affects you

Acupuncture is, for most people, a relaxing and restful treatment which leaves the patient feeling calm and stress free.  Treatments can sometimes leave the patient feeling slightly tired but with no other significant side effects.  On extremely rare occasions a patient may feel a little faint on insertion of the needles.  If this happens the treatment is stopped until the patient feels better and is ready to carry on.   Bruising is another rare side effect which you should inform your practitioner about next time you see them.  Some patients may feel a very slight aggravation of their condition for a while after the treatment, but this should be temporary, followed by a stronger improvement.  If you have any concerns between treatments please don’t hesitate to ring your practitioner.

Advice for preparation and aftercare

It is always best to eat a light meal before coming for Acupuncture, to avoid being treated on an empty stomach.  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.  You are strongly advised to avoid alcohol or any other recreational drug before and after treatment.