Your body talks

Why is the intake form so comprehensive?

Health and illness coexist and arise out of the same conditions. Disease does not come from nowhere - it comes from a lived experience.

Thus, Chinese medicine does not only focus on the disease, but also the person who has it. Therefore, it is important to know your health story. The task of the acupuncturist is to analyse the information revealed by you, and arrive at an understanding of the causative factors of your illness.

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Learning the aeitology gives us an opportunity to interrupt the very process - the root - that created the symptoms and pathology. For example, it may stem from your lifestyle, childhood illness, adolescent behaviour, your parents' health at conception or your biological mother experiencing stress or trauma through pregnancy.

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What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is not just about inserting needles where there is discomfort. It is understanding the person's health in relation to the environment in which they live, lifestyle (work, diet, exercise), climate and emotions. Then developing a point prescription to aid the body's self healing mechanism.

 

Historically, Chinese medicine was passed exclusively through the male line, in most cases from father to son or grandson. The apprentice continued until 1949 and the advent of the political system.  There is many acupuncture styles; Teresa utilises Dr Tan, Master Tung and classical. 

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What do I wear?

Acupuncture is performed on the skin - not through clothing.  The most commonly used points are on the arms and legs so if possible, wear loose fitting clothing.  On some occasions Teresa may require access to parts of your body that may require you to partially undress.

 

What do I need to do to prepare for my appointment?

1. Haven eaten, ideally a light meal and at least one hour before your appointment.

2. Remove all makeup and nail polish before attending your appointment.

3. Are well hydrated.

4. If you use a tongue scraper do not use on the day of your appointment; tongue coating is diagnostic in Chinese medicine.

5. No alcohol or recreational drugs on the day of your appointment.

6. Avoid caffeine on the day of your appointment.

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Does acupuncture hurt?

The acupuncture needles are tiny and just slightly larger than a human hair so not the same thickness as needles used for vaccinations. Thus, there is generally little sensitivity to the insertion of an acupuncture needle but some people may experience a brief moment of discomfort. The most common sensations people experience is dull ache, heaviness, itching, numbness or mild tingling.

 

How long do needles stay in for?

Needles are usually left insitu for 20-30 minutes.

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How many treatments will I need?

In general, the longer you have been suffering from a condition, the more treatments you are likely to need. Commonly 8-12 treatments are required; those with an acute condition may only need 3-6.  Refer to the 'Stages of Care.'

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The effects are cumulative, building up over treatments so it is important to continue with the care plan that has been recommended for you. Think of the treatments as dosage - the same way a medical doctor recommends your medication is taken a certain number of times this is the same as acupuncture. 

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What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Appointments are often booked in advance, and we recognise that there may some instances where you need to cancel your appointment.

As a courtesy to other patients' please give as much notice as possible. To facilitate this the clinic has a 2 working days' notice cancellation policy.

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If less than 2 working days' notice is given, you will be charged the full fee. You will receive an SMS appointment confirmation and  then a reminder 2 working days' in advance. Should you need to cancel once you have received this reminder then the cancellation policy applies. For Monday appointments your 2 working days' notice will be Thursday and for Tuesday appointments your 2 working days' notice will be Friday. 

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Why do you have a cancellation policy?

We respect that your time is important to you and appreciate that you understand it is also important to us and our other patients' too. Our 2 working days' notice cancellation policy helps us to maintain this respect for each other and allows us to offer your appointment to someone else who is in need of healthcare.

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Does my insurance cover acupuncture? 

The following private medical insurance companies recognise Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC): ​April; Benenden Health; BHSF; Equipsme; Freedom; General Medica; Health Shield; HSF Health Plan; Medicash; Orchard Healthcare; Simply Health; UK Healthcare; Vitality; Westfield Health; WHA Direct.

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However, before agreeing on a course of treatment it is important to check with your private health insurer to confirm your treatment will be covered by your policy.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​