What should you expect when you come for treatment?

Follow this link for details on the clinics’ location in Burnham-on-Sea and parking near by. If the door is locked when you arrive, please ring the bell.

The receptionist will usually greet you.  They can take your coat to hang up if you’d like them to (or there’s a hook in the treatment room). There is a toilet available.  I’ll pick you up from reception or the chairs in the corridor and we’ll head into the treatment room. 

During your first visit we will split our time between gathering information and giving you a treatment.

I will need to gain a thorough understanding of your how you hope treatment will help you and your general health and lifestyle. This involves asking questions about your current symptoms and your medical history, as well as such things as your sleeping pattern, your appetite and digestion and your emotional wellbeing. Women are also asked about their menstrual cycle and any past pregnancies and childbirths.

You might feel that some questions appear unrelated to your condition but the information you give helps me to form a more complete picture of your health and lifestyle and helps me to treat you as a whole person.

We may have discussed your questions on the phone during your free 15 minute telephone consultation, but there will also be a chance to ask questions during the treatment session.

When talking about your main complaint, I may ask you to describe in your own words what the symptoms feel like and how severe they are. You may also be asked how long you have been having the symptoms, whether they are constant or intermittent and how frequent they are. You should tell me about any medication that you are taking and whether you have tried any other therapies.

As part of your diagnosis, I will also feel your pulses on both wrists and ask to look at your tongue. I will need your watch and bracelets to be removed.

I may feel for feel areas of muscular tension or pain.

Acupuncture treatment: I will use very fine single-use pre-sterilised needles to stimulate specific Acupuncture points on your body. Different people need different numbers of needles for their treatment; on average I use 8-18 needles in a treatment.

Because energy meridians range across the whole body, the points used are not necessarily close to where you experience pain / discomfort / your issue. For example, if you suffer from headaches needles might be inserted in your foot or hand.  Usually at the your first session I will chose points from your lower arms/ hands, your lower legs/ feet or your back. Usually the needles will be in for around 20 minutes, but during your first session, you may have your needles in for a shorter time.

Other techniques – Moxa: I may also use other techniques such as moxa where heat is applied to an Acupuncture point or meridian using moxa (a therapeutic herb) to warm and relax muscles and qi.

Other techniques – ElectroAcupuncture: small electrodes are attached to the needles to create stronger stimulation.

Other techniques – Neuromuscular taping: tape is applied to the body to stimulate its own healing. Muscles also control both blood circulation and lymphatic function which in turn impact body temperature, pain etc.

Other techniques: Gua Sha: rubbing the skin with a smooth tool. Guasha can temporarily mark the skin, this is painless and generally clears within a day or three.

Lifestyle and wellbeing advice: I am likely to suggest ways in which you can enhance the long-term effects of your treatment. This may involve making changes to your diet and daily routine. If necessary I will suggest you see other healthcare practitioners for specialist care.

After effects: Most people find Acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm during and after treatment. You may feel a little tired or sleepy and should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use heavy machinery straight after your treatment.

You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and, ideally, give yourself some time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for several hours after treatment.  Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting.

Before you go we will talk about your future treatments and the advice you have been given. We’ll do your payment, which can be by card / contactless, bank transfer or cash. You will have the option of a receipt.

If you would like to book an appointment, or discuss your needs with me, please Contact Me