What happens on the first visit?
An initial acupuncture treatment with Paul usually take about one hour and fifteen minutes.
For the first half hour you will be asked detailed questions about both what is bothering you and what your health is like in general. If you are taking any medication, please bring a list of it to your first consultation. Your pulse will be taken and your tongue examined.
Once there is enough information to make a diagnosis, you will be asked to lie on the bed and the acupuncture treatment will get underway. Please be sure to wear loose and comfortable clothing to enable easy access to the acupuncture points on your arms and legs. A follow-up acupuncture treatment typically take between 45 minutes and one hour.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine – so fine that the prick of the needle as it goes through the skin is barely felt. As the needle begins to have an effect on your energy, you may feel an unusual sensation – like a numbness or tingling.
Needles are frequently left in place during an acupuncture treatment for up to twenty minutes, depending upon the effect required. The needles come sealed in individual packs and are used once only, then disposed of.
Will I have to take herbs?
No. However, taking herbal medicine may speed up your healing and you may require less acupuncture treatment. I prescribe herbal granules for ease of use. I am have been a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) for over a decade.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will depend on many factors, including age and constitution. I should be able to give you a good idea of roughly how many treatments you should consider when we first speak.
Everybody is different, and people respond at different rates. However, you should expect to start making progress in two to three treatments.