Acupuncture treatments
what to expect
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, illness is seen as a pattern of disharmony. An assessment is made of the patient's energy by various means, for example, feeling the pulses in the wrist and asking questions to assess the yin/yang aspects of the problem.
As in a visit to a GP, a case history is taken, including past and family history. A physical examination might be carried out, e.g. with a back problem, the spine is palpated, the range of movements assessed and the reflexes checked. Blood pressure is measured if relevant.
- I will welcome you in, if you are early there is a waiting area to sit.
- The needles will be gently inserted quite superficially into specific points around your body (normally on the head, back, arms or legs). Acupuncture needles are really very fine, sterile, and single use only.
- Once the needles are positioned, patients may experience a pleasant warmth or tingling, but many do not feel anything at all. You should feel very comfortable and relaxed - acupuncture is a very gentle treatment, it doesn't hurt. Sometimes people fall asleep during treatment!
- At the end of a treatment, some patients experience slight aggravation of symptoms the next day, some feel tired, and some patients feel quite euphoric.
My fees are very competitive, at £40 for the consultation, and £30 for each subsequent treatment. For example, a course of treatment for arthritis would be once a week for 6 weeks, followed by a review. If the condition is improving, then the treatments are gradually spaced out.
I am also a Bowen therapist. This light touch therapy works on the muscles and connective tissues. It consists of a very precise sequence of gentle moves on specific points on the patient's body, which can be done through light clothing. Bowen works for many of the problems that acupuncture treats; in addition it is particularly good for breast pain, jaw pain and frozen shoulders.
Over my 22 years in practice as an acupuncturist, I have found that acupuncture provides a gentle way of dealing with people's problems.
Each appointment lasts 45 minutes, giving time for me to get to know my patients, understand their problems and build up a relationship.
I have been in private practice since 1987, when I graduated with honours from the British College of Acupuncture in London. Before the 3 year course I worked in the NHS as a radiographer.
As a member of the British Acupuncture Council I participate in continuing professional development and am bound by the Code of Ethics and Safe Practice Standards.
My husband, Craig Keating, is a well-known local artist; his studio is also in our home so we are both fortunate to be able to work at home.