Is Acupuncture Painful?
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 and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. During treatments, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
What Happens During The Consultation?
A consultation is usually about an hour and gives you the opportunity to discuss in depth the details of your problem. I will ask you various questions about your health and bodily functions, some which may not seem relevant to your presenting condition, but allow me to build a picture of you as a whole person.
I will read your pulse and examine your tongue and also a physical examination may be required where necessary. During the consultation and follow up sessions you will always have the opportunity to discuss your condition and any issues that are affecting your life.
What are you doing when you take my pulses?
Each acupuncture meridian is associated with a pulse, there are twelve pulses, six in each wrist. When pulses are taken they tell a qualified practitioner allot about the balance of energy in the body; some parts are naturally working harder to compensate for others. During your treatment your pulses are monitored and the aim always is have them balanced and working together.
It takes alot of practise to feel the subtleties of the pulse and students of acupuncture take thousands of pulses in order to successfully utilise one of their most useful tools.
What are you looking for when you ask to see my tongue?
The tongue is a very sensitive organ and its appearance can change with many physiological changes in the body. When we look at the tongue we look at different aspects such as size, teeth marks, ulcerations, colour etc. All of this tells us about general health and the strength of your body’s own immunity and functioning.
How often will I need Treatment?
In traditional acupuncture philosophy each person is considered as unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic and only one or two treatments are required. With other patients, the effects are subtler and they may need treatment over several months. As a general rule the first few treatments should be closer together (weekly), and then they can be spaced out as improvements to health become apparent.
