"Chen-Hui is very considerate and patient focused and supported me through a very difficult time."   Joyti

Having Treatment

What will happen in a treatment?

Each treatment is developed specifically for each patient through taking a traditional diagnosis. This includes discussing your main complaint and your general health and lifestyle. I will also take your pulse on both wrists and examine your tongue and feel for areas of muscular tension or pain.

Based on all the information you have given, I will make a diagnosis and put together your treatment plan, which may include lifestyle and dietary advice as well as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

 

What does it feel like?

Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. This is one of the signs the body's qi, or vital energy, has been stimulated.

 

What sort of needles do you use?

I practice clean needle technique and use high quality, sterile, single use acupuncture needles. Once a needle has been used it is immediately disposed of in a sharps box. 

 

How long will the session last?

Your first session will last 60 minutes, in this time your traditional diagnosis will be taken and you’ll receive your first treatment. Subsequent treatments will last between 45-60 minutes depending on your treatment needs. Needles stay in for 20-25 mins.

 

How many treatments will I need?

That depends on your individual condition. At first your acupuncturist will normally ask to see you once or twice a week. You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve. Once your health has stabilised you may need top-up treatments every few weeks.

 

How will I feel after my treatment?

You are likely to feel relaxed and calm. If the treatment has been particularly strong you may feel tired or drowsy and it is worth bearing this in mind if you plan to drive or use any other machinery soon afterwards.
 

I am scared of needles-can I still have acupuncture?

Yes. Acupuncture needles are very much finer than the needles used for injections and blood tests. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and once in place they are hardly noticeable. I use laser acupuncture (without needles) and acupressure for those who do not like needles.

 

Do I need to prepare in any way for the treatment?

It’s important to make sure you’ve eaten on the day of your treatment, but try to leave at least an hour of going without food before your treatment. It’s best not to drink alcohol or too much coffee on the day of treatment.