Is Acupuncture Painful?
Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. During treatments, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
The benefits of Acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.
What Happens During The Consultation?
A consultation may take up to an hour and gives you the opportunity do discuss in depth the detail of your problem. I will ask you various questions about your health and bodily functions, some which may not seem relevant to your presenting condition, but allow me to build a picture of you as a whole.
I will read your pulse and examine your tongue and physical examination may also be required where necessary. During theconsultation and follow up sessions you will always have the opportunity to discuss your condition and any issues that are affecting your life. It is my aim to provide a caring but professional environment where real healing can take place.
Diagnosis - Pulses
Each acupuncture meridian is associated with a pulse, there are twelve pulses, six in each wrist. The Practitioner will monitor these pulses which will inform him/her to the state of the patients Ch'i. It is said that past, present and possible future disease can be discerned here. Along these meridians there are points which can be needled to assist in rebalance - harmonising the flow of Ch'i energy, so acupuncture can improve your health and prevent disease.
Diagnosis - Tongue
The tongue is a very sensitive organ and its appearance can change with many physiological changes in the body. By observing the tongue we can see how our whole body is functioning and able to detect imbalances in different systems in our body.
When we look at the tongue we look at different aspects such as size, teeth marks on size, ulcerations, colour etc. All of this tells us about general health such as edema or swelling, inflammation, anemia or weakened body, hyperactivity in different systems of the body, pain, congestion and blockages in the body. In general, the tongue proper exhibits the strength of your body’s own immunity and functioning.
Tongue coating tells us about imbalance in the digestive system, decreased immune system with Candida (yeast infection) presentation. or damage or weakening to a certain systems of the body infection or inflammation in the body.
The different areas of the tongue are represented by the functioning state of different regions of the body so that the above can be tied in with the specific area which we can tell us more about your diagnosis.
How often will I need Treatment?
In traditional acupuncture philosophy each person is considered as unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic and only one or two treatments are required. With other patients, the effects are subtler and they may need treatment over several months.
How much will it cost?
The initial consultation and first treatment which can take up to one and a half hours costs £48.00
Follow up treatments are £35.00
Chinese Herbs, if required, are extra.