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Treatments will commence only after a thorough diagnosis. The practitioner will ask questions about your health including current symptoms and treatment, and your medical history. Factors such as diet, the digestive system, sleep and emotional state give the practitioner an idea as to how best structure the acupuncture treatment to your specific needs. The practitioner will take your pulse, have a close look at your tongue, and gently palpate your limbs, joints and abdomen to see which meridians and acupuncture points will be used in treatment. Needles Once the practitioner decides on an appropriate treatment very fine needles are inserted, usually causing a tingling, numbness or dull ache. The acupuncture points used are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the problem. For example, although you might suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or hand. Cupping and moxabustion are also used in treatments if appropriate. Cupping is an ancient technique used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate acupuncture points or larger areas of the body. The technique involves creating a vacuum inside round glass or bamboo cups while on the area to be treated. The cups are then left in place for anything up to 20 minutes. Cupping is most commonly used to treat colds and flu by shifting congestion in the chest and to relieve muscle and joint pain. Moxibustion is a procedure whereby moxa - a dried herb,usually of the species mugwort (Latin name: Artemisia vulgaris) - is used either directly on the skin or just above the skin over specific acupuncture points or meridians. The herb is lit and as it smoulders slowly, heat permeates into the body and affects the flow of Qi (energy) and blood in the area being treated. Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition. Some change is usually felt after five treatments with sustainable results in following treatments. Occasionally only one or two treatments are required. Some patients may need treatment over several months. Typically 6-10 sessions will be needed, after which many patients continue treatment on monthly or seasonal intervals as a form of preventative medicine. Should my doctor know? If you have been prescribed medication it makes sense to tell your doctor that you are planning to have acupuncture. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatments. Also ensure you work with your GP if you plan to reduce your medication. |