DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
… not usually. A dull ache often develops at the point (considered to be a good therapeutic sign) but the needles are so fine that people having treatment for the first time are pleasantly surprise.
WHAT IS IT USED TO TREAT?
… most conditions apart from those requiring immediate western medicine intervention, and serious degenerative disease although it often used to enhance ‘quality of life’ in the latter). Acupuncture clinics tend to treat chronic ailments for which there is no conventional cure, such as migraine, chronic muscle and joint pain, asthma & allergies, IBS and other digestive system problems, PMS and menopausal issues and other gynaecological problems, but the therapy can also be used to treat acute conditions such as flu and colds and other viral or bacterial infection.
HOW MUCH TREATMENT DO I NEED?
… this depends on how long you’ve had the problem, and how ‘deep’ or serious the problem is, and on age and constitution. A muscle problem such as tennis elbow may only need one or two sessions but if it’s been with you for months it will be harder to tackle because more muscles will probably become involved. An illness such as ME or Rheumatoid Arthritis will require long term treatment because many different aspects of the functioning of the body have become involved - the illness is much more complex.
DO I NEED TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE IN ORDER FOR IT WORK?
… No.
WHO CAN TAKE CHINESE MEDICINE?
… Chinese Herbs can be taken by all age groups from young babies to the elderly for increasing longevity and quality of life.
HOW LONG AND IN WHAT FORM WILL I TAKE THE HERBS?
… Traditionally, Chinese Herbs are made up into teas or decoctions. This involves boiling the herbs in water for half an hour or more. The patient will receive detailed instructions on the method of preparation. Capsules of raw herbs, concentrated extracts, powders and pills are also prescribed. A typical course of treatment would involve taking a herbal formula daily for several months, depending on the nature of the case and the strength of the patient. The patient will be monitored regularly to ensure that the formula is effective and modified as improvements occur.