HOW IT WORKS
The Consultation
Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation so underlying causes can be ruled out and/or treated as well as the presenting problem/s. This can be either in person or online via Zoom or WhatsApp.
​
Your entire medical history will be looked at and questions asked that you may not have been asked before. The more information that can be given, the more accurate the diagnosis. I will also look at your tongue which will reveal a lot about what is going on. Listening to your pulses is another diagnostic method we are well trained in. I may also examine parts of your body if you have a musculoskeletal condition or are in pain. Other tests may additionally be done to help with the diagnosis where appropriate. We will also talk about your diet and any lifestyle factors that could be associated with your health concerns.
​
Any results of scans, blood tests or appointments with other health professionals should be brought with you or sent ahead of the consultation.
​
It is also helpful if you could fill in my Patient Intake Form and send that ahead of you. This form just gathers basic information so we don't have to go through it in the consultation.
​​One of the wonderful things about Chinese medicine is that it has its own system of diagnosis so, even if you don't have a "label" for what is wrong with you, TCM practitioners are trained to diagnose your problem from your presenting conditions and treat you accordingly. Conversely, if you do have a Western medical diagnosis, I will be looking at your medical issues with a fresh perspective.
People often come to me with many issues but we always focus first on treating the most distressing or destructive. At the same time, we aim to treat the underlying issue causing the problem in the first place. As time progresses, and the most distressing condition begins to resolve, the balance of medicine changes to take account of other presenting issues and conditions.
Chronic conditions are where Chinese medicine excels and comes into its own.
​
It is during this consultation that we will discuss a treatment plan and whether herbs, acupuncture, massage, manipulations or any other treatment option or a combination of them would be best for you.
What happens during a treatment?​
​
Treatment usually begins with some gentle massage to help you relax. I have various herbal oils that I can select depending on your needs. If there are tight muscles or pain, cupping, gua sha or hot stones may be used. Depending on what is going on various manipulations could be employed, Active or passive stretches may also be used and advice on going forward will be offered.
If you are having acupuncture, I will make sure you are comfortable on the treatment couch using cushions or supports. I recommend wearing loose and comfortable clothing such as a T-shirt or jogging bottoms that can be easily pulled up or removed where needed.
Acupuncture needles (single-use and pre-sterilised) are much thinner than injection or syringe needles - about the thickness of a strand of hair - and therefore doesn't feel the same as an injection. I have developed a very gentle needling technique and patients are often surprised to find the sensation of the needles to be quite pleasant, with most patients describing feelings of tingling, gentle pressure or a heaviness once needles are placed.
Once the acupuncture needles are in place, I will make sure you’re warm and comfortable and will then ask you to relax for around 30 minutes. Many patients describe feeling a deep sense of relaxation during and after the session. I recommend that patients rest (if possible) after the treatment, avoid alcohol and caffeine immediately after the treatment and drink plenty of water for the rest of the day.
​
