What happens in a typical treatment?

In all treatments the practitioner will carry out two important diagnostic tests:

1: Pulse Diagnosis
In Chinese medicine, the Pulses on the two wrists are used to assess the energetic state of the patient's organs. Each of the 12 organs is represented within the pulses, which provide a window into the internal state of the person. The practitioner will feel for the Rhythm, Rate, Shape and Size of the pulse in 3 different positions on each wrist, and will use this information to assist diagnosis and choice of treatment.

2: Tongue Diagnosis
Chinese medicine considers the tongue to be an extremely valuable diagnostic tool. Different areas of the tongue relate to different organs in the body, and observations of colours, textures, coating and other key features give the practitioner information about the energetic state of the organs.

After diagnosis, the practitioner will formulate a treatment plan for the day. He will then tell the patient what he plans to do in the session, and which acupuncture points he would like to use.

The patient will then be asked to expose only the area required for the points required. If points on the back or torso are required, a gown will be supplied.

The needles will then be inserted into the chosen acupuncture points. Depending on the aims of treatment for a particular patient, needles may either be left in the points for 15-20 minutes, or they may be inserted and removed immediately. An extremely common question from people who have never had any acupuncture is 'does it hurt?'... The needles used are very fine, and insertion is not painful. Patients often describe a tingling sensation around the needle. This is commonly followed by a sensation of relaxation.

Throughout the treatment, the practitioner will periodically monitor the patient's pulses to assess progress. The energetic changes that he intends to achieve through the chosen acupuncture points can be felt in changes in the pulses throughout the session. Thus, the pulses provide an invaluable means of assessing when the desired result has been achieved. When this time comes, needles are removed, and the treatment is complete.

In the course of the session, the practitioner will also take time to talk to the patient about ways in which positive effects of treatment can be enhanced and supported with lifestyle considerations (such as dietary changes, exercise routines etc). In this way, the patient is encouraged to take an active role in the improvement of their health.

How often will I need to come?

Although every person's requirements are different, It is normally recommended that you visit weekly at the start of a course of treatments. As you progress, this will be changed to fortnightly, then monthly. Eventually it may be recommended that you come just once every three months for a seasonal boost.

Are the needles sterile?

The needles used are disposable, and made of high grade stainless steel. Each needle is taken from a sterile packet, and is discarded after a single insertion.

What will it cost?

Free 30 minute initial consultation: Your opportunity to come and meet me, to ask any questions you have about acupuncture, and to find out what would be involved in a course of treatments.

The initial treatment, in which a complete health and personal history will be taken ( 1 and a half hours) will be at a charge of 48 pounds. Subsequent treatments will be charged at 38 pounds per session.

Where can I find out more?

Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me if you have any further questions about acupuncture and how it can help you. Useful information can also be found on this website: British Acupuncture Council: www.acupuncture.org.uk

© Sam Stennett 2005 -