Acupuncture

On your first visit, a full health history will be taken in order to formulate a diagnosis. In this session, I aim to build a comprehensive understanding of your state of health, and this will lay the foundations for the sessions ahead. This initial session generally lasts 1.5 hours, and includes a short treatment. On subsequent visits, a session will last between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

In all sessions I will carry out two important diagnostic tests: 







1: Pulse Diagnosis






In Chinese medicine, the Pulses on the two wrists are used to assess the energetic state of the patient’s organs. Each of the 12 organs is represented within the pulses, which provide a window into the internal state of the person. I feel for the Rhythm, Rate, Shape and Size of the pulse in 3 different positions on each wrist, and will use this information to assist diagnosis and choice of approach. 







2: Tongue Diagnosis






Chinese medicine considers the tongue to be an extremely valuable diagnostic tool. Different areas of the tongue relate to different organs in the body, and observations of colours, textures, coating and other key features give information about the energetic state of the organs. 



Planning the treatment



After diagnosis, I will formulate a plan for the session. I will share this with you, and explain which acupuncture points I would like to use. You will then be asked to expose only the area required for the points required. If points on the back or torso are required, a gown will be supplied.


The needles will then be inserted into the chosen acupuncture points. Depending on the aims for a particular patient, needles may either be left in the points for 15-20 minutes, or they may be inserted, manipulated, then removed immediately. In some cases, I may choose to use some additional heat on the pressure points, which I apply in the form of a warming herb. This practice is known as moxibustion.








Does it hurt?



An extremely common question from people who have never had any acupuncture is ‘Does it hurt?’. The needles used are very fine, and insertion is not painful. Patients often describe a ‘tingling’ sensation around the needle. This is commonly followed by a sensation of relaxation.
The needles used are disposable, and made of high-grade stainless steel. Each needle is taken from a sterile packet, and is discarded after a single insertion.




During the session



Throughout the sessions, I will periodically monitor your pulses to assess progress. The energetic changes that I intends to bring about through stimulation of the chosen acupuncture points can be felt in changes in the pulses throughout the session. Thus, the pulses provide an invaluable means of assessing when the desired result has been achieved. When this time comes, needles are removed, and the session is complete.
In the course of the session, I will also take time to talk to the patient about ways in which positive effects can be enhanced and supported with lifestyle considerations (such as dietary changes, exercise routines etc). In this way, you are encouraged to take an active role in the improvement of your health.






After the session



Some people report feeling relaxed and peaceful after an acupuncture session, whilst others find it energises them. It generally depends on the points that have been used, as well as each individuals constitution.





How often will I need to come?





Although every person’s requirements are different, It is normally recommended that you visit weekly at the start. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, and best results are achieved with a concentrated course of treatments from the offset. As symptoms improve, it will be advised that treatment regularity is reduced.