At your first appointment Karen will take a detailed and comprehensive history. She will ask about your current symptoms, emotional wellbeing and include questions related to your body systems, for example sleep and digestion. This gives her information to help uncover what imbalances are present and helps her to formulate a treatment strategy. You may feel some of the questions appear unrelated to your condition but the information helps to give Karen a more complete picture of your health and lifestyle. She will also take your pulse and look at your tongue.
Many people say they would like to try acupuncture but don’t because they assume it is painful. Acupuncture entails the use of very fine, hair like needles that once inserted give a mild sensation usually described as a tingle, slight ache or warm sensation that lasts a second or two. Single use, sterile, disposable needles are used for treatment to help stimulate specific points on the body. Many commonly used points are located on the lower arms and legs, so it is helpful to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
The number of sessions a patient requires depends on the individual’s condition and their response to treatment. A course of 4 – 6 weekly treatments is usual, and within this time Karen would expect to see improvement if you are responding to treatment. Many patients choose to have treatment to maintain good health, as a preventive measure, or simply to improve their sense of wellbeing.
Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects, occasionally there may be minor bruising from the site of the needle but this will disappear within a few days. Many patients feel relaxed and calm after treatment and it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise or alcohol for the rest of the day.
All treatment is carried out in accordance to BAcC codes of safe practice and treatment rooms at the Reading clinic are approved by environmental health for Berkshire. As a BAcC member Karen has full medical malpractice and public and product liability insurance cover.
The links and research page shows many of the conditions that have been treated using acupuncture.