Our practitioners treat the root and the branches. They believe that listening is in the heart of healing and that illnesses might be the same but the people suffering from them are different.

What happens during my first acupuncture session?

Acupuncture is a holistic medicine and aims to discover the roots of any particular illness.  The main problem will be discussed in detail, we will then ask other relevant questions about your health to help build up a complete picture and to put your illness into holistic context. After the discussion we will take your pulse and examine your tongue. Taking the pulse in Chinese Medicine is very different from Western medicine as it is an important pillar of diagnosis, which helps give information about the state of your Qi and the status quo of your internal organs. A physical examination will be performed for any musculoskeletal problems and it is common practice to palpate along acupuncture channels for a wide range of ailments.

The initial consultation will last approximately one hour and each treatment is tailored according to the individual’s presenting condition.

How long will treatment take?

Usually, acute problems such as a recently strained back will only require a few treatments and problems of a more chronic nature require more treatment.

We will give you an idea of length of treatment at the initial consultation. As a general rule, we like to see a change after every acupuncture session, and if this is the case then we find that patients are not too concerned about length of treatment as long as they see a change after each treatment.

With long-standing, complicated, chronic conditions it may require a number of sessions before some benefit is seen. Acupuncture is a powerful and subtle medicine and often we are trying to treat imbalances, which have been going on for a long time.

Treatments are normally given at weekly intervals although some problems need more frequent visits. For example, Bell’s Palsy (facial paralysis) needs to be treated every day for 10 sessions, and then a break for 2-3 days, and then another course of 10 sessions. Stroke patients also need more regular treatment. Treatment cost may be reduced when intensive treatment is needed.

Seasonal illnesses such as hay fever will benefit from treatment four to six weeks prior to the hay fever season to prevent symptoms developing. It is also treated during the hay fever season, and generally acupuncture is very effective.

If you would like to book an appointment please contact us.