Chinese Medicine
Is treatment
safe?
Absolutely. The doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine is fully qualified
and highly experienced. Chinese medicine has been tested for thousands
of years and is extremely safe.
How many treatments
will I need?
In traditional Chinese medicine philosophy, each person is considered
as unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on
the individual. Some change is usually felt after 4 or 5 treatments. Normally
you are recommended to visit once a week at first, then once the condition
begins to improve, fortnightly, and then monthly visits can be arranged
if necessary.
What about
my normal medication?
We encourage patients to keep their GP informed of their treatment and
are happy to work along side GPs when possible. Generally speaking the
Chinese medicine will not interfere with other medication. In fact it
is beneficial to combine the Chinese medicine with western conventional
medicine.
Acupuncture
Who has acupuncture?
Many people
come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. These
might include anxiety states, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory
problems, depression, facial paralysis, fibrositis, high blood pressure,
indeterminate aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines,
rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions or ulcers.
Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It has been proved to be effective in pregnancy management and for the relief of pain in childbirth. Acupuncture is also helpful for people trying to overcome addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food or drugs.
Some people may have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves without being 'ill' in the Western sense. It can also be used alongside western medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic diseases. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary from person to person.
What does it feel like?
Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and
blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They
are much finer needles, bendy rather than solid. When the needle is inserted,
the sensation is often described as a tingling or a dull ache.
Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience a pleasant feeling of relaxation, and sometimes a heaviness in the limbs.
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.
What will
happen on my first visit?
Your first consultation
may be longer than subsequent sessions. The acupuncturist needs to assess
your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern
of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.
You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour, and coating of your tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health.
Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
There are around 500 recognised acupuncture points on the body, of which about 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body that where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your hand or foot.
The acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment with moxa, a smouldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body's energy to flow smoothly. Other methods of stimulating acupuncture points include using lasers or electro-acupuncture. Massage or tapping with a rounded probe are techniques particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.
How often
do I need treatment?
In traditional
acupuncture philosophy each person is considered unique, and therefore
the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Some change
is usually noticed after 4-5 treatments. Normally you are recommended
to visit your acupuncturist once a week at first, although certain conditions
may need less frequent attention.
Sometimes the effect of the treatment are dramatic, and only one or two treatments are required. With other patients, the effects are more subtle and they may need treatment over many months.
Should my
Doctor know?
If
you are receiving treatment from your doctor, then it makes sense to tell
him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment
may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication,
but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription.
You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
Is it safe?
All members
of the British Acupuncture Council (BacC) must observe a Code of Practice
which lays down stringent standards of hygiene. These procedures have
been approved by the Department of Health.
12-14 Old Hall Road - Gatley - Cheadle - Stockport - Cheshire UK SK8 4BE