Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during my first treatment?
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Your first appointment will last up to an hour and half. During this appointment we will go through your current symptoms as well as your health history and your lifestyle. Women will also be asked about their menstrual cycle and any past pregnancies and childbirth. Some questions may appear unrelated to your symptoms but are key to your diagnosis.
I will also make a physical diagnosis by taking your pulse in both wrists and look at your tongue. I may also feel for areas of muscular tension.
All this will enable me to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan that is tailormade to you. You will then receive a treatment as part of your first appointment.
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The needles we use are sterile, single use and ultra-fine and most people do not feel them going in. It is possible to feel a slight tingly feeling once the needles are in place. This is normal and in no way painful. I will talk you through it on your first appointment. Most people will feel relaxed during the treatment.
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If this is your first experience of acupuncture, please let me know so I can take extra time to explain what happens and to make sure you are comfortable before we start the treatment.
Many commonly used acupuncture points are located on the lower arms and legs, so it is helpful to wear clothing that allows easy access to these areas. There are also many points elsewhere on the body, if these points are used, a towel will be provided to keep you covered as much as possible.
How will I feel after my treatment?
Post treatment you will mostly feel relaxed and calm, but you may also feel a little tired. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol straight after the treatment and avoid strenuous activities.
Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting.
How many treatments will I need?
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Each treatment is tailored to the patient therefore there is no set number of treatments. I usually recommend weekly treatments until your symptoms start to improve. Then we can assess how to move forward to spread out the treatments based on the nature of your complaint. Long term conditions will often take longer to treat, but each person is unique.
The aim is to enable your body to maintain its own balance. Once achieved you will no longer need treatment or only once every few weeks or months.
How should I make payment?
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Payment can be made by cash or card at the clinic.
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What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please give 48 hours notice where possible if you are unable to come. A cancellation fee may apply