Your first visit is an opportunity meet Liz and tell her about your health, how you would like her to help you, and for her to identify your pattern of imbalance according to the principles of Chinese Medicine. This will clarify the aims of treatment, and ensure that the acupuncture treatment is tailored to your individual needs.
Liz will ask you to tell her in your own words, and in confidence, how you are feeling and what you would like help with. She will ask some detailed questions, and look at your tongue and take your pulse, which are two of the traditional diagnostic techniques used to identify the subtler aspects of your condition and the balance of your energy. It is also important that you tell Liz about current and previous illnesses and treatments you have had, as well any medication and drugs that you are taking. Acupuncture is an excellent complimentary medicine as it can be carried out alongside many other treatments. Sometimes it can help when other approaches have failed, but similarly there are situations when people need treatment from a Western Medical Doctor. It also makes sense to let your GP know that you are having acupuncture.
Liz combines acupuncture with associated techniques where appropriate. These are chosen according to your diagnosis and the pattern of imbalance identified, and always with your agreement.
These can include:-
The initial appointment usually includes the first of a course of treatment, and so you are advised to allow an hour and a half for this session. After this the treatments usually last around 45 minutes. It is best to have a light snack before attending the session, and if you can arrange to have a quiet restful time immediately after the treatment, this will also be beneficial.
People find that having acupuncture is a pleasant and relaxing experience, also allowing them time to step back from an often busy life. Treatments are usually once or twice a week initially and the length of a course of treatment will vary from person to person, going at a speed in tune with their system. Only for the lucky few do symptoms disappear over night. Initially people usually notice them starting to become less frequent or less severe. If acupuncture is working for you, you should be benefiting from a change within the first five treatments, although for many conditions more treatments will be required.
"Each treatment is different just as each person is unique."
