Acupuncture FAQs

What Can I expect on my first treatment?
On the initial visit, your therapist will do a full consultation, including medical history, taking the pulse. An examination may take place, and therefore removal of clothing maybe necessary.
They may also do some palpation (gentle massage or pressing) to identify areas of pain or weakness 

How many sessions do I need? 
This varies depending on your ailment.  Some see improvements after just one session however it is usual to have between four and ten weekly sessions to see the full benefit of treatment. More regular sessions might be required for a quicker response time.

Should I tell my Doctor?
If you are already having treatment from your doctor, or they have prescribed medication, then you might want to notify them that you plan to have acupuncture. Please advise us of any medication or treatment plans on initial consultation.

Are there any side effects?
Sometimes you may experience dizziness or tiredness (but this quickly passes) or get a small bruise at the site of insertion. 

Is acupuncture safe?
With a trained and qualified therapist,  acupuncture is one of the safest and longest established forms of healthcare with very low risks. Single use, disposable needles are used, so the risk of infection is minimal. It is suitable for all ages (including pregnant women and children) and is widely used and widely accepted all over the world. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or in combination with other forms of medicine and has few side effects, so can be a drug free alternative to nursing you back to health.

What should I wear?
For acupuncture, you will need to remove your clothing to allow access for the needles to be inserted. This could be at the point of pain, or other points such as legs, hands and feet.  Your therapist will advise on the day of treatment.  Gowns or towels will be provided to cover you.


Tui Na Treatment Massage Questions

Tui Na is a deep tissue massage and is a fundamental part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), along with Acupuncture, & Acupressure.

What can I expect on my first treatment?
On the initial visit, your therapist will do a full consultation, including medical history, & taking the pulse. An examination may take place, using some palpation (gentle massage or pressing) to identify areas of pain or weakness 

What should I wear?
Your therapist will treat you either lying down or seated, depending on your condition or age.
There is no need to remove any clothing, only coats, shoes and jewellery. You will be covered with a cotton sheet or treated though the clothes, as that facilitates the techniques used. Therapeutic oils are used only on the hands, feet, face & neck. Please wear loose clothing and no jeans for treatment.

Who can have Tui Na Massage?
Tui na is suitable for all ages. It is a deep tissue massage incorporating specific acu-points or pressure points. Ideal for any aches and pains in the body, and especially used to treat sports injuries.  
Although strong massage and manipulation techniques are used, the therapist will tailor the pressure to suit. It can also deliver a wonderful feeling of wellbeing and relaxation if you like your massage firm!

How does it work?
Similar to a sports massage, an array of techniques are used, incorporating acupressure points, which the therapist will use to remove tension/spasm in the muscles and blockages of Qi (energy) in the channels. This makes Tui Na a complete massage, because there are two aspects to it: 

  • Firstly, it works the muscles helping them to relax, removing stagnation and allowing the blood to flow more freely, giving the muscle the optimum chance of repairing itself. 

  • Secondly, because of its Eastern origins, it works with restoring the body’s balance. Tui Na presses on certain acupressure points in the body’s meridian system to stimulate the body’s own healing process.

How many treatments will I need?
Tui na massage can be applied daily, however, for pain and injury we would recommend weekly treatment to allow healing time between each session.  The number of treatments can vary, dependant upon how severe the injury or pain is. Recovery time is shortened dramatically when used in conjunction with acupuncture.


Aromatherapy Relaxation Massage Questions

What Can I expect on my first treatment?
On the initial visit, your therapist will do a full consultation, including medical history, & taking the pulse. An examination may take place, using some palpation (gentle massage or pressing) to identify areas of pain or weakness .
From discussion at the consultation, your therapist will select or mix some essential oils specifically to aid your condition, or may select to opt for oils for relaxation, and stress relief.

What will I need to wear?
As essential oils are used, your will need to remove your clothing down to underwear. Gowns or towels will be provided to cover you. There is the option for head and scalp treatment, but please advise if you do not wish this element due to oils in the hair. We do suggest clothing that you are happy to wear home afterwards as some essential oils may transfer. You will smell nice though! 

How many treatments will I need?
As many as you like! Ideally it is a relaxing massage, using more gently techniques. The benefits come from absorbing and inhalation of the essential oils to stimulate, regulate and sooth.


Cupping Questions

Is cupping safe?
If performed properly cupping is very safe and beneficial to maintain overall health. Cleaning the cardiovascular system and removing dead blood cells enables the body to better oxygenate itself, thereby providing the essential elements to cure many conditions

How often should I have cupping?
Cupping can be done quite regularly as often as 3 times per week, however, its best to let the bruises heal fully before you use this therapy again

Is Cupping suitable for everyone?
Cupping is contraindicated in cases of severe diseases, such as cardiac failure, renal failure, ascites due to hepato-cirrhosis and severe Oedema, as well as hemorrhagic diseases such as allergic pupura, hemophilia and leukemia, and clients with severe skin conditions or sunburn. 
Cupping should not be applied on an area where a hernia exists or has occurred in the past. 
Cupping should be avoided in pregnancy – although can be applied in your 2nd trimester 
If you are unsure whether or not a condition you have may be contraindicated, please first consult your Therapist.