What to expect from Acupuncture & TCM
What should I expect to feel? Acupuncture does not need to be painful. There are a range of possible sensations when having acupuncture though. Some normal sensations of acupuncture can be felt as tingling, aching, dull, pulling or occasionally a little sharp. Sometimes people report feeling nothing at all. We encourage people to communicate with us and if the sensation is too strong to let us know.
What techniques will the practitioner use?
There are a number of techniques that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners use to get the best result. Which techniques are used will depend upon your individual diagnosis. Please tell us if you have any concerns and we will do our best to explain the treatment process.
You will receive at least one of the following treatment approaches;
We do all can to ensure that the following side effects do not occur
The following situations are not suitable for receiving acupuncture
What techniques will the practitioner use?
There are a number of techniques that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners use to get the best result. Which techniques are used will depend upon your individual diagnosis. Please tell us if you have any concerns and we will do our best to explain the treatment process.
You will receive at least one of the following treatment approaches;
- The placement of very fine, steralized, single use stainless steel needles into specific acupuncture points or injured sites.
- The use of an electro-acupuncture apparatus whereby small wires are connected to the acupuncture needles and a small current is passed through the needle to stimulate the acupuncture point. (Contraindicated with heart pacemakers, so please tell your practitioner should you have one.) This is very effective for conditions that have a high element of pain.
- The external use of a herb called Artemesia Vulgaris in a method called moxibustion. The herb is burnt and either held over an acupuncture point by hand, or is attached carefully and safely to the needle to stimulate it. The stimulating and heating quality of burning this plant as well as the herbal properties of the plant aid in healing.
- The use of herbal formulas that are specifically recommended to work with your diagnosis and constitution.
- Stuck or bent needle
- Slight discomfort or pain from the acupuncture
- Bruising from acupuncture or burning from moxibustion
- It is possible that you could faint from acupuncture.
We do all can to ensure that the following side effects do not occur
The following situations are not suitable for receiving acupuncture
- Being very hungry or having low blood sugar levels
- Having had alcohol 12 hours before acupuncture
- Being very emotional or exhausted
- Have a couple of glasses of water prior to and post treatment
- Try to rest for an hour after treatment to encourage the body to heal. This includes not doing heavy mental or physical work and resting where possible.