Treatment
 Your first visit is a double appointment, so there is plenty of time for a full consultation and a treatment. This is your opportunity to explain in detail what is troubling you. Your acupuncturist wants to know about any symptoms you are experiencing and any treatment or medication you are having. She will also ask you about your medical and family history, your diet and your bodily functions, about your work, rest, sleep, exercise and your general physical and mental condition. She will take your pulse and blood pressure, look at your tongue, and do a simple physical examination. From this information she can make a diagnosis and plan your treatment. This is aimed at the root of your condition as well as your main symptoms.
Before treating you, she will explain what she is going to do. We need your consent to treat you, and will respect your decision to proceed or not. We will explain any changes or new treatment methods as they arise.
Each treatment lasts 40 – 60 minutes. It involves the insertion of very fine sterile needles into specific points just under the skin, where they remain for anything from a few seconds to half an hour. In most cases nothing, or a slight prick, is felt when the needle goes through the skin, followed by a dull ache or drawing sensation when the needle reaches the acupuncture point. This sensation is generally acceptable and lasts only 1 or 2 seconds. The other main method of treatment is called moxibustion, which is a way of warming the points. These two methods are often used in combination. Information and advice. We also try to help our patients understand the nature of their illness and how to take care of their health. This often involves suggestions and advice about such things as diet, exercise and lifestyle.
 How often will I need to come? Treatments are usually arranged once, or sometimes twice a week to start with. As you feel better treatments become less frequent. The rate of improvement varies from person to person and depends on many different things such as what is wrong, how long you have been ill, your age and constitution, and any factors in your life or environment which may be affecting your health. A few people notice a big difference after one or two treatments, but most people require treatment over a longer period. Many people who have felt the benefit of acupuncture continue to come at regular intervals, from 6 to 12 weeks, to maintain their health.
What about my Doctor? If you are seeing your doctor or hospital consultant it can be helpful to tell him or her that you are having acupuncture. It may be useful for your doctor and acupuncturist to be in touch, with your consent. For example, if you are taking drugs (other than drugs which cannot be discontinued) acupuncture treatment may cut down your need for them. If so, your drugs can gradually be reduced, or sometimes even eliminated, and your doctor may need to be involved in any change of medication. |
