Your first Treatment

Category: General Info

acupuncture-211From the British Acupuncture Council

There is no ‘one size fits all’ acupuncture treatment because no two people are identical. Traditional acupuncture is an holistic health care system that treats the whole person, not just your symptoms.

Consultation During the initial consultation a traditional acupuncturist will take a complete medical history in order to understand your unique physical profile and lifestyle. You will generally be asked about your current symptoms, medical history, diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The practitioner will take your pulse on both wrists and may examine your tongue and palpate for areas of muscular tension or pain.

Treatment plan Following diagnosis a BAcC acupuncturist will put together your personalized treatment plan which may include lifestyle and dietary advice. The acupuncturist will use ultra-fine, sterile acupuncture needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. Because energy meridians cover the whole body, the points used are not always close to where you experience pain or discomfort. For example, if you suffer from headaches needles might be inserted in your foot or hand.

Techniques In addition to needling acupuncture points, a traditional acupuncture treatment may include other Chinese medicine techniques such as:

  • tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage): to relieve muscle tension, stimulate acupressure points, open energy meridians and stimulate the flow of qi
  • electro-acupuncture: a very low frequency electrical current (1Hz) is applied to the needle to increase blood flow, relax muscle tissue and clear stagnant qi
  • cupping: glass cups with a vacuum seal are placed on the skin to stimulate blood flow and clear stagnant qi
  • guasha: vigorous rubbing of the skin to increase blood flow and clear stagnant qi
  • moxibustion: application of indirect heat using moxa (therapeutic herbs) and/or heat lamps to warm and relax muscles and energy meridians

Lifestyle advice Your BAcC acupuncturist may suggest ways in which you can enhance the long-term effects of your treatment, such as by making changes to your diet and daily routine. If necessary you will be referred to other health care practitioners for specialist care.
After effects Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment. You may feel tired or sleepy and should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use machinery straight after your treatment. Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. Cupping and guasha can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Such bruising is painless and generally clears within a day or two.

September 21st, 2009
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