Acupuncture

Types of Acupuncture

Lena carries out TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Acupuncture based on the teachings of the Huang Di Nei Jing which originated 3000 years ago. There is also 5-Element Acupuncture and whilst rooted in Chinese Medicine, the style and delivery of treatment differs. Please note that “Western Acupuncture”, “Medical Acupuncture” and “Dry Needling” have very weak associations with the original form. Be aware that often practitioners of the modern styles use them as an adjunct to their chosen profession and training can involve as little as a weekend course. Needling injuries such as pneumothorax have been conducted by these therapists and not by fully trained TCM acupuncturists.

Lena gained a 1st class distinction in TCM Acupuncture from The Northern College of Acupuncture & Clinic in York in 2004.

Treatment Preparation & Aftercare

Please wear loose clothing so that Lena can easily access arms and legs. It may be advisable to wear a vest so that upper back and shoulders can be reached. Eat a light snack before the session as the treatment can affect blood sugar. Advise Lena of any allergies beforehand.

After the session, please do not drink alcohol and avoid any strenuous exercise.

What to Expect

After a full consultation and examination of the client’s tongue and pulse, Lena will decide on their “acupuncture prescription” which consists of a list of points to illicit a physiological effect. Fine needles are inserted into these acupuncture points after Lena locates them by measuring and palpating the regions on the body. If she is carrying out auricular acupuncture, she will swab the outside of the ear with surgical spirit.

There is a comfortable scratching sensation when the needles are initially inserted. Then Lena will “manipulate” the needle to create a systemic response. This may be moving it up and down quickly/slowly or rotating the needle. They should feel a tingling sensation, dull ache or electrical buzz. Acupuncturists call this activating the “Deqi”. Once this is felt, the needle is retained in the body for 25-30mins. During this time, Lena may give them moxibustion, massage or cupping if appropriate. Otherwise, they are left to relax and it is common for patients to even fall asleep due to the soporific effect of the treatment. If they would prefer Lena to leave the room, the clients can request this. There is the option to listen to music during the session.

After the treatment time has ended, the needles are removed and disposed of. The client will gently sit upright for few minutes and only when they feel completely grounded, get dressed.

Frequency

The number of sessions required is based on many factors, for example:

  • The type of condition

  • The health of the patient

  • Chronic or acute

  • If the patient follows Lena’s recommended lifestyle advice (diet, exercise, relaxation etc.)

Lena acts a facilitator in improving one’s health. There are no miracle cures, quick fixes or guarantees. However, Lena will give an honest opinion on whether she feels that acupuncture could help. Treatments normally begin on a weekly basis which can be reduced to a less frequent maintenance session depending on the circumstances and presenting condition.

 

Complications & Side Effects

Acupuncture treatment presents with very few adverse effects. As mentioned, serious complications only occur from practitioners who have not carried out the 3 or 4 year degree level Traditional Chinese Medicine training.

Normally, clients feel quite well after treatment. They may find they are sleepy after a session and a lie down is recommended. At times, they may also find that any bottled-up emotions are released so it is advisable to relax for the remainder of the day. Occasionally, there might be a small bruise on the skin where an acupuncture needle had been inserted. This is harmless and will resolve itself within approximately a week.