Acupuncture is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practised for over two thousand years. It involves the insertion of incredibly fine needles into specific acupuncture points in the body to stimulate, restore and balance the smooth flow ‘Qi’, our vital energy.
When the body is healthy, Qi flows smoothly throughout the meridians of the body. However, issues arise when the balance of Qi is deficient or disrupted. Acupuncture helps to harmonise and rebalance the body as it treats both the symptoms and the root cause. Acupuncturists use single-use, pre-sterilised, disposable and solid needles.
About Acupuncture
At the initial consultation and treatment, we will discuss the reason for you seeking acupuncture. You will also be asked in-depth questions relating to your general health, history, wellbeing and lifestyle. There may be occasions where referrals are needed for blood tests, herbs, nutrition or further investigations (especially if you are coming for fertility acupuncture).
The acupuncture treatment itself takes around 25-30 minutes and this is your time to relax and switch off from the outside world. The lights are dimmed and ambient music plays softly in the background. You may become so relaxed that you even fall into an ‘Acu-nap’!
I may use other ancillary techniques in the treatment such as moxibustion, gua sha, auricular (ear) acupuncture, electro acupuncture or ear seeds. Dietary and lifestyle advice may also be suggested for your follow up care.
What to expect
Make sure you have a light meal or snack 1-2 hours before your treatment and if possible, wear comfortable, loose clothing to reduce the need to get fully undressed (don’t worry if that is not possible though). Keep hydrated with water or herbal teas and avoid any alcohol.
After the treatment, please avoid any vigorous exercise, refrain from alcohol and drink plenty of water. It is also advisable not to have any other stimulating bodywork on the same day as acupuncture such as massage or physiotherapy.
It is common to feel either energised, tired, hungry or thirsty after an acupuncture treatment. I always advise my clients to listen to your body and give it what it needs.
Preparing for Acupuncture
Each person is unique and every acupuncture treatment is tailored to their individual needs, with both the root cause of the issue and its physical manifestations addressed.
The most important thing to remember is that consistency is the key - acupuncture is cumulative and each treatment builds with every session. It is like starting a brilliant book, not finishing it and never knowing what happens in the final chapter.
A course of acupuncture treatments is instrumental for achieving a positive outcome. As acupuncture is a natural healing practice, you need to give it time to take effect for longer-lasting results - it is not a quick fix.
A course of 4-10 regular treatments are generally advised (depending on the person and condition(s) being treated). For women’s health concerns, hormonal regulation, pre-conception and fertility issues, weekly treatments over a minimum of 12 weeks are essential.
Some clients find acupuncture so relaxing and restorative that they enjoy weekly treatments as part of their own self-care practice. Others reduce their visits to bi-monthly or monthly ‘maintenance’ treatments once they feel the benefit of their regular sessions.