about treatment

Before treatment
It is best not to have acupuncture treatment on an empty stomach or after a large meal.

About treatment
During the initial consultation you will be asked about your presenting symptoms and a full medical history will be taken. Diagnosis is made through questioning, taking the pulse on both wrists and looking at the tongue. This initial appointment usually lasts 1½ hours with subsequent treatments lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Diagnosis and treatment will be unique and tailored to the individual, and will address the root cause of the condition.

In addition to needling acupuncture points, other techniques may be used during treatment:

• Moxibustion - the ancient art of burning mugwort herb to warm acupuncture points
• Cupping - the use of glass or plastic cups to create a localised pressure by a vacuum in areas of pain or congestion
• Guasha - a form of deep Chinese massage
• Auricular Acupuncture - the use of acupuncture points located on the ear

After treatment
Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and people often feel a little tired, so if possible it is recommended to take it easy and have an early night after treatment. Ideally alcohol should be avoided following acupuncture treatment.

Number of treatments
The number of treatments required will depend on the individual and the severity and duration of the symptoms experienced. Weekly treatments are recommended initially, before spacing treatment. Patients often seek maintenance treatment around the time of the change of seasons to help support them through these transitions and to increase their sense of wellbeing.