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What happens during treatment? |
| At your first visit your acupuncturist will ask you to describe in detail what is troubling you. She will ask about any symptoms and any treatment or medication you are having. She will also ask 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. This consultation may take one and a half to two hours, and from this information your acupuncturist makes a diagnosis and plans your treatment. Before treating you, your acupuncturist 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 and is carried out in two ways. One is the insertion of very fine sterile needles into acupuncture points on the Channels, just under the skin, where they remain for anything from a few seconds to half an hour. The needles we use are stainless steel, and much finer than those used for injections or taking blood, and are not hollow. In most a case a slight, or no 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 the application of warmth to the points, which is called moxibustion. These two methods are often used in combination. 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. 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 got better continue to come at regular intervals, from 6 to 12 weeks, to maintain their health. |
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