What to expect

What to expect from a treatment

There is no 'one size fits all' acupuncture treatment because no two people are identical. Traditional acupuncture is an holistic healthcare 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.

Length of treatment

Your initial consultation will last an hour and will involve a consultation and a treatment.Follow up sessions thereafter will be 45 minutes long.

Treatment plan

Following diagnosis a BAcC acupuncturist will put together your personalised 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.

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.