Yvonne Claremont Acupuncturist in Southampton and Lyndhurst acupuncture and cupping in action
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Diagnosis and treatment

The first appointment

picture of pulse being takenAcupuncture is an holistic form of medicine and therefore a detailed medical and personal history is taken covering your reasons for seeking acupuncture treatment as well as your lifestyle, sleep patterns and diet. Your first appointment will take 1½ hours during which time I will also feel your pulses and look at your tongue, both of which give many clues to your underlying health. This information is used to form a diagnosis and to devise a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

It's a good idea to bring details of any medication you are taking as these will also be assessed from a Chinese medicine perspective.

The treatment

Treatment involves the gentle insertion of very fine acupuncture needles to regulate the flow of energy. Needles are either inserted for a few seconds or they can be left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on your individual diagnosis.

There are over 365 acupuncture points on the body but only a very small number are used at each treatment, usually between two and ten. Don’t be surprised if the points selected are not necessarily close to the part of the body where the problem is being experienced.

Some people feel an improvement soon after treatment, while for others the effects are more subtle. You may possibly feel a little drowsy or tired for a few hours after treatment.

picture of cuppingCupping is also sometimes used where glass cups are applied directly to the skin using a vacuum. This can be very useful for pain or fever. The cupping will leave a mark which will disappear after a few days. (Gwyneth Paltrow had many photographs in the national press when she appeared in public after having had this treatment.)

Moxa A warming and energising Chinese herb called moxa is also sometimes used. It is the dried and ground form of a plant similar to Mugwort. It can be used in stick form, placed onto the end of an acupuncture needle or made into cones and burned close to the surface of the skin. It does not burn the skin at any time.

Guasha This involves stroking a horn or jade tool over an area of skin. It is useful for pain, fever or for relieving tense muscles.

Lifestyle and Dietary Advice This may form part of your treatment.

You are free to ask any questions about your treatment during the session.

After treatment

After your first acupuncture treatment it is a good idea to drink some water or herbal tea to keep hydrated. You could feel sleepy, relaxed or energised after treatment so you might want to think about what you have planned for the rest of your day.

Follow-up appointments

These usually take 45 minutes to an hour. The timing of subsequent appointments is agreed with you at the end of each session.

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logo Acupuncture in Southampton and Winchester at:
The Grove Centre, Southampton, Hampshire
The Naturopathic Centre, 1 Lake Court, Hursley, Winchester, Hants

©2015 Yvonne Claremont, Acupuncturist