Treatment & Costs

Your initial consultation will last one hour. During this time your general health will be assessed in order to identify the underlying patterns of disharmony and provide you with the most effective treatment.

You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely cause of your problems, the most appropriate treatment can be selected.

To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, you will have the pulses taken on both wrists (there are twelve altogether), and their quality, rhythm and strength will be noted. The structure, coating and colour of your tongue will also give a good guide to your physical health. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.

Stimulating specific acupuncture points may affect the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, these points may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand. There are around 500 such Acupuncture points on the body. Perhaps ten or twelve of these may be used for each treatment (slightly more for extensive local pain). It is quite usual for different points to be selected as the client’s condition changes during a course of treatment.

Needle treatment may be supplemented with moxa, a smouldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points and encourage the body’s energy to flow smoothly. A moxa stick may also be used to warm larger areas of the body, such as the lower abdomen where it is especially useful for period pain, and a condition known as cold uterus, which can be a cause of infertility. Electro-acupuncture may also be used for local areas of pain.

Reiki is often used during treatment and clients find it enhances the relaxation aspect of their treatment, allowing them to completely switch off and unwind. Reiki is an ancient healing system based on channelling spiritual energy. It was rediscovered in Japan in the nineteenth century and is taught through initiation. It involves hands-on healing and works on the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical levels.

It is helpful to wear loose, comfortable clothing for your treatment and whilst every effort is made to keep you as covered up as possible, sometimes access will be needed to points on your torso as well as your arms and legs.

What does it feel like?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to the needles used in injections and blood tests. They are much finer and more solid, not hollow. When a needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles may be inserted and immediately removed, or may be left in place for 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment clients commonly experience a pleasant feeling of relaxation or a heaviness in the limbs. Often people ask if they can stay on the couch for the rest of the day once their treatment is over!

The benefits of Acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it may also lead to increased energy levels, as well as better appetite and sleep, and an enhanced sense of overall wellbeing – it is for this reason that clients often continue to have acupuncture long after their original problem has been dealt with.

What about the needles used?

All needles used are pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of immediately after use.

How many treatments will I need?

This varies between clients. Most people will have noticed a significant improvement by between four to six sessions, but this can be dependant on the condition being treated and the length of time it has been present. Your progress will be reviewed regularly and treatment will be carefully monitored to ensure it matches your needs.

Rates

Initial Consultation (one hour) £35.00

Each treatment (one hour) £50.00

(It is worth checking your health insurance as Acupuncture is often covered on policies).

Appointment Times

Daytime and evening appointments are available.