Your first treatment lasts for approximately 1½ - 2 hours, and will involve talking in detail about your case. This includes talking about the nature of your main complaint, any other complaints, and your general health.

Following this, there is a brief examination. This involves feeling your pulse, looking at your tongue, and taking your blood pressure if necessary.

[advice for first time patients]

Pulse taking is an integral part of Chinese medicine and we tend to take your pulses regularly with your treatments. The pulses give acupuncturists information about your health as well as how the treatment is progressing.  [more on pulses and diagnosis]

Next comes the treatment itself. Acupuncture needles will be placed into acu-points, often around your hands or feet. Depending on the type of treatment given, the needles will either sit in place for 20 minutes or so whilst you relax, or will be immediately removed.

The needles are barely felt as they are inserted. When the needle reaches the acupuncture point just below the skin, you can get a sensation that ranges from a dull ache to a tingling or electric sensation. It's a good thing to be feeling this, and after a few times, it no longer seems unusual.

We use disposable sterile needles. A new needle is used for each insertion and then it is safely stored for incineration.

You are advised to take it easy for a couple of hours after treatment if possible - you will often feel calm and relaxed anyway!