Here are some frequent asked questions about about acupucnture and Chinese medicine. If you can not find your answer, please do not hesitate to send me an email or just arrange a 15 minute free consultantation with me.
Q: What is Acupuncture ?
A: Acupuncture is an ancient healing form with a history of over 5,000 years in China. It is based on a system of pathways (meridians) that run through the body carrying an energy or life force known as Qi. The balance and flow of Qi is seen as a vital and integral part of our health and well being. Imbalance in our Qi may present with the symptoms or a general feeling of being unwell. Many things may contribute to this: our life style, diet, stress, ill health and other factors. Acupuncture works to restore balance, enhancing the body’s natural healing mechanism and enabling the patient’s general health and well being to improve.
Acupuncture involves the use of very fine, sterile and disposable needles (single use) to stimulate points along the energy channels (meridian) in the body to regulate the flow of vital energy and restore balance. It is remarkable in its effect on painful conditions, nerve damage and stress problems and a wide range of ailments.
Q: What is Acupuncture meridian?
A: Acupuncture meridians are the lines which connect the acupuncture points with each other as well as with internal organs. Physiologically these are the lines that the acupuncture sensation travels when acupuncture points are stimulated. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. The flow of qi can be disturbed by many factors, physical, mental and emotional: anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can activate the body's own healing energe and help to restore its natural balance.
Q: What does a treatment involve?
A: The first session takes 1.5 – 2 hours. You will be asked questions about your health, life-style, your body systems such as sleep, digestion, circulation etc., your energy levels and well-being. As well as having blood-pressure checked and any medication you are taking noted. The practitioner will keep a record of this information to enable her/him to plan the best approach to treatment for you and to monitor your progress. All information is confidential.Your first experience with needles will also take place—this will involve inserting fine sterile needles into specific Acupuncture points on the body to stimulate the energy.Subsequent treatments last for 45mins to 1hour and require a brief update on your health and well-being.
Q: What can Acupuncture treat?
A: The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed the use of Acupuncture for the treatment of over 100 conditions and has reported, “Acupuncture has proven to be effective In the treatment of pain, stress headaches, addictions, chronic fatigue, anxiety, dysmennorhea, fibromyalgia, allergic sinusitis / rhinitis, depression, insomnia, asthma, chronic cough, gallstones, Bell’s Palsy, women’s and men’s healthcare, weight gain, weight loss, digestive disorders, kidney disorders, skin disorders, stroke recovery, decreased immunity and countless other ailments”
Q: Does Acupuncture hurt?
A: A tingle, ache or “fizz” is often felt as the Qi energy is stimulated- this lasts momentarily. Occasionally a small bruise can appear.
Q: How many treatments will I need? And how often?
A:This depends on many factors – how long have you had your condition, the severity of it and your lifestyle. Treatment is usually weekly to start with. Some conditions only need 6/8 treatments whilst others will take longer. As soon as you improve treatments are spaced to longer intervals. Some patients come three or four times per year for a constitutional and preventative treatment to help them maintain their health.
Q: How do we diagnose what is out of balance in a person's body?
A: This is done by using the 'Four Examinations,' a method of TCM diagnosis which dates back over three thousand years. Observing, Listening and Smelling (Listening and Smelling are counted as one of the Four Examinations), Questioning and Palpating make up the 'Four Examinations'. The TCM diagnosis will be carried out before therapy. The acupuncturist is like to feel your pulses on both wrists, and may ask to look at your tongue. In TCM the radial artery pulse is taken on both wrists with the quality of the pulse being compared between the two wrists and at different distances from the wrist crease. The tongue displays significant variations in color, shape, size and coating. TCM correlate these changes with disorders of different organs and body system , these changes are then linked back to the individual’s disorders and treatment is devised accordingly. Meanwhile the acupuncturist may ask your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, medical history and some health information on diet, sleep patterns and emotional state, etc.
The subjective, interpretive and objective evidence of an individual obtained by the 'Four Examinations' leads to the discovery of the causes of a disease while at the same time becoming aware of the 'Whole Person", thus revealing where in the individual's life the development of the disease started and what initiated it.
Q: What should I wear for the acupuncture treatment?
A: Loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that can be removed if necessary.We request that you wear little make-up so we can observe your natural skin colour and no strong perfumes, as these interfere with our diagnostic skills.
Q: What reactions I may have after acupuncture?
A: The reactions after acupuncture treatment are usually regarded as ‘healing crisis’ and may include:
• Feel tiredness or drowsiness have an excellent night’s sleep
• Relief from stress and tension
• Felling of peace and harmony
• A slight aching and soreness in the acupoints or muscles, particularly those which needed extra work due to the build up of Qi.
• A hightened emotional state during which the receiver may become tearful or giggly
• Increase in perspiration and mucus production
• An increase in urination as toxins are released
• A slight temporary skin rash
• Feeling cold
• Slight headache or nausea
These could be excellent, very positive signs that the treatment has really worked because the reactions indicate that the body is rebuilding the new balance, both mental and physical. If you do experience any of the above reactions they should only be temporary, usually up to 24-48 hours after treatment. Otherwise, please let me know.
Q: What shall I do after an acupuncture treatment?
A: Usually after an acupuncture treatment, following after care home advice could help your body achieve balance better and quicker.
1. Increase your water intake, Cut down caffeine and alcohol intake and try to avoid smoking.
This will greatly assist and accelerate the detoxification process. Tea, coffee, other caffeinated drinks and alcohol put great strain on the systems of the body and over –stimulate the kidneys in particular. Along with water, try drinking herbal teas or freshly fruit and vegetable juices instead.
2. Take regular exercise
Regular exercise such as tai-chi yoga, Pilates, swimming or walking will improve your vitality, improve circulation, tone muscles and relieve tension. All in all, exercise is an excellent preventative medicine.
3. Relax
Reorganise your life so that you have plenty of time to enjoy some rest and relaxation, which in turn will enable you to handle the stresses and strains of everyday life more easily. Some ideals for relaxing include enjoying a massage, listening to some relaxation music, taking a bath with oils and burning candles, a positive outlook and at least once a week, a good laugh with friends and family.
4. Sleep
Sleep is essential for healing. Having a good night sleep will enable you to feel refreshed and ready to face the challenges of the day ahead. Please insert your text here.
Q: Is my treatment confidential?
A: Yes, all information given during the course of any of our treatments is treated as strictly confidential. Personal files are only referred to by your practitioner. A copy of your contact details will be kept in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Q: Do I need to inform my GP before I start treatment?
A: This is a matter of personal choice. We require the name of your GP for our records but we will not contact him/her without your consent.