Acupuncture FAQ

First Acupuncture appointment at Holistic Therapy Ealing

During the initial appointment I will ask you a wide range of questions regarding your main complaint, general health and lifestyle. I will take your pulse and have a look at your tongue to complete the diagnosis, if required I will carry a physical exam.

Gathering this information enables me to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of energy (Qi) or substance i.e. Blood.

After establishing where the imbalance of energy or substance occur, I will use specific acupuncture points to unblock the obstruction and balance Qi.  

This will encourage a free flow of energy (Qi) and Blood throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, tissues and muscles, leading to natural healing.

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Diagnosing

Diagnosis involve:

• Taking full Medical History - asking about past and present medical problems, questioning the systems, lifestyle and emotional state.

• Taking Pulse & Tongue – checking the quality of the pulse that is felt at six different positions, three on each wrist. Looking at the tongue, which parts relate to particular organs, therefore some imbalances can be visible.

• Looking at the person- general appearance, posture and tone of voice, as well as the colour.

• Physical Examination – Palpation to troublesome areas and acupuncture points.

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How do I get the most out of treatment?

• Don’t eat a large meal before your visit, but make sure you’ve had a snack or light meal, so you don't feel faint.

• Refrain from having coffee, strong tea or fizzy drinks that contain caffeine,  as that can confuse the pulse reading.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothes, although I may ask you to change into a gown in order to access particular points i.e. on your back or abdomen.

• Refrain from overexertion, drugs or alcohol for at least six hours after treatment

• Drink plenty of fluids, ideally warm or room temperature

• Follow your treatment plan

• Try to intoduce dietary changes if necessary

 

Acupuncture Needles

Acupuncture needles are tiny, thin and flexible, about the size of a cat’s whisker. The insertion of the needle can often barely be felt, but it varies between the points and patients. Once the needles are inserted, I will find "De Qi" (connect with the point) and that can give some patients a mild tingling, vibration or a sensation of fullness, along with an increased sense of relaxation. I only use sterilised, single use needles and apply clean needle technique.

 

 

 

 

 

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Number of treatments

As I treat holistically each patient has individual treatment plan. The initial phase of the treatment plan is usually between 5-10 visits. The length of treatment depends on how long the condition has been present and quickly the patient responds to treatment. Generally if a condition is more acute, patients respond faster than if something has been chronic.

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Is Acupuncture covered by my insurance company

All private health insurers listed here offer some form of cover for acupuncture treatment. Every company and policy is different, therefore please check directly with your insurer if they cover it and under what circumstances.

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Can I give blood after acupuncture treatments

AAC have managed to gain agreement from BTS, SaBTO and now JPAC for the removal of the delayed waiting period after acupuncture prior to giving blood.

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