One of the most common questions I get asked by patients is how many treatments it will take for them to get better.

The answer differs from person to person, depending on the nature of the health issue, how long you might have had it, how your body responds to acupuncture, and whether it's a chronic condition or an acute one.

It is quite common for patients to need between 6 - 8 acupuncture treatments. Some may get better in 1 treatment, others may only start to notice the benefit around treatment 3. Some may just need 8 treatments, and for others with chronic health conditions I may recommend ongoing monthly 'top-up' treatments.

Having had back problems all my life and tried probably 100s of masseurs and therapies , I can honestly say Charlotte has magic hands , I literally have never felt better after a session.

Michael

I had an amazing hour massage by Charlotte, it was exactly what I needed. She was very thorough and listened carefully to my needs to then focus on my pressure points and the areas that needed the most attention. The leg section of the massage (which I have never had before) was especially enjoyable as a keen gymer.

Donna

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

HOW MANY TREATMENTS?

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine and is one of the longest established forms of healthcare in the world. It is based on Chinese medicine principles that have been developed, tested, researched and refined for over 2500 years, to give a detailed understanding of the body. 

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of extremely fine, sterile, single use needles into specific points on the body. The insertion of these needles creates a harmless micro trauma within the muscle and connective tissue, which triggers an array of local and systemic biochemical and physical reactions.

Essentially this means that the body's own natural healing response is induced, increasing blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to the area, along with wider reaching effects such as the release of pain killing endorphins and the regulation of various hormones.​

Acupuncture is increasingly gaining recognition as clinical trials are proving it's efficacy. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) now recognises that acupuncture can safely help with tension-type headaches, migraine-type headaches and chronic pain. Further research shows that acupuncture is effective for many other health problems including; arthritis, digestive issues, anxiety, stress and hormonal issues. 

HISTORICAL PRINCIPLES

AFTER TREATMENT

From a Chinese medicine perspective acupuncture is said to regulate the flow of Qi around the body through pathways called meridians. 

This flow can become disrupted, depleted or blocked due to injury, infection, poor nutrition, physical or emotional stress, or genetic predisposition, and can lead to the manifestation of physical pain and illness.

​In Chinese medicine Qi is the foundation of human health and is involved with every function of every organ and cell within our body. It is what makes us 'us'. This means that if our energy is not flowing smoothly, then organs, systems and emotions will fail to function properly.

But how does acupuncture help from a TCM perspective? By inserting needles into specific points along these pathways, a traditional acupuncturist seeks to restore balance and trigger the body's own natural healing response, and in doing so re-establish this free flow of Qi. This provides the body with the ability to function at it's optimum level.

​​Acupuncture is suitable for all ages, including babies and children, and can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine.

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

I may give you some exercise, lifestyle or dietary advice following treatment. This is to enhance the treatment effects and aid in your recovery. On occasion I may refer you to other health care professionals if required.

An aftercare form will be provided following your treatment. It's recommended you rest after receiving acupuncture, intense exercise is not advised immediately following treatment. If you suddenly feel a lot better after treatment, it can be tempting to do more than you would normally do, but we advise that you take you it easy and give your body time to rest and recover.

Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a well trained acupuncturist, and any side effects that do occur are usually mild and brief.

Acupuncture is a relatively painless, deeply relaxing treatment when performed by a well trained acupuncturist. The needles are extremely fine, and it is often imperceptible that they have been inserted. After the needles have gone in, there is typically a mild achiness or a dull pressure which can last from anywhere between a few seconds to a few minutes. These sensations are completely normal and a sign that the acupuncture needles are doing their job.

During your first visit, I will perform a detailed consultation where you will be asked about your main complaint, general health and lifestyle, along with your medical history. Some questions may seem unrelated to your main complaint, but it is important for me to get a thorough picture of your health, as often in Chinese medicine, symptoms we think are unrelated, are connected at a deeper level.

I will also feel your pulse in different positions on each wrist, and will ask to look at your tongue, which gives important diagnostic information in Chinese medicine. If suffering from a musculo-skeletal complaint, the area affected will also be examined, and certain movement tests may be performed to identify the root of the issue.

Patient's can have anywhere between 2 - 25 needles, depending on what condition is being treated and the strength of their constitution. A combination of local points (close to the area of pain or discomfort) and distal points are typically used. 

It's common for patients to fall asleep during treatment, and to report a feeling of deep relaxation and peace after treatment. This can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

​​I can highly recommend Charlotte. She treated me for anxiety, low mood and fatigue. I can honestly say that the treatment itself was relaxing and the difference I felt following the treatment was incredible. Colleagues were even asking  where I was getting my energy from!

Charlotte was professional, attentive and easy to talk to and I look forward to future treatments with her".

​Shelley

Professional Integrated Healthcare

E: charlotte@transformacupuncture.co.uk

07797764582

Call us:  07797764582

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