Acupuncture (Initial)

Service Description

1. What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is an ancient practice designed to maintain your body’s equilibrium by regulating your body’s vital energy, known as Qi (pronounced "chee"). Using ultra-fine needles—thinner than a strand of hair—acupuncture needles are gently inserted at specific points on your body to balance the flow of Qi. Various lifestyle and environmental factors can disrupt, deplete, or block your Qi, leading to pain, discomfort, or illness. Acupuncture is a powerful therapy that helps restore this balance, promoting both physical and emotional harmony and healing. 2. What Acupuncture Do for You? Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that addresses the entire person rather than just isolated symptoms. For example, you might seek acupuncture for back pain, only to find that other issues, like stress or sleep disturbances, also improve as your treatments progress. ​Acupuncture also serves as effective preventative medicine. It can address conditions where conventional medicine has limitations, making it a perfect complement to Western medical treatments. When performed by a highly qualified practitioner, acupuncture is a safe treatment with minimal, if any, side effects. 3. Who Benefits from Acupuncture? People choose acupuncture for a variety of reasons: - To alleviate specific symptoms or relieve pain, such as knee osteoarthritis. - To maintain good health, take preventative measures, or enhance overall well-being. 3. To address general feelings of unwellness when a clear diagnosis is not available. - To support conventional medical treatments, such as IVF or cancer care, by strengthening the body and easing discomfort associated with these treatments. - Acupuncture is suitable for all ages, including babies and children. Your First Acupuncture Session: What to Expect １. Consultation If it is your first acupuncture appointment, I will begin by asking about your main complaint, general health, detailed medical history, and current medications to complete a comprehensive Chinese Medicine diagnosis. 2. Examination I will also check your pulse and tongue, carry out physical examinations such as palpating specific muscles, joints, and channels, and observe your movement if necessary. 3. Treatment Based on the diagnosis, I will develop a treatment plan and proceed with treatments that may include needling and, if appropriate, moxibustion, cupping, or Gua Sha.