Your subsequent treatments will last 45-60 minutes. We will talk about how you have been, and gauge your progress. We can also talk about any other things that have come up.
Just like the first time, needles are placed into some acu-points. They may be left in place for around 20 minutes as you relax on the treatment couch, or they are inserted and then immediately removed, depending on the desired therapeutic effect.
Acupuncturists sometimes use a herb called moxa. This is smouldered over the acupuncture points instead of or as well as needling. It is used for a wide variety of conditions.
Needles and moxa are the two main tools of the acupuncturist, although from time to time other tools are used, such as electro-acupuncture and ear press-tacks.
Needles
Needles are the most common tool of the acupuncturist, and the one with the most public awareness. Acupuncture needles hardly resemble needles used by doctors and nurses for injecting or taking blood etc. They are extremely fine - about the thickness of a human hair - very sharp, and are made from solid stainless steel. They are individually packaged and are sterile. A new needle package is opened for each needle insertion to maintain a high level of hygiene.
Moxa
Moxa is a herb not unlike mugwort. It is used by acupuncturists when the patient needs warming, or the Qi needs to be gently moved or strengthened. The moxa is pressed into a small cone and placed on the acupuncture point. The tip of the cone is then lit and the herb smoulders down. When the patient feels the warmth, the moxa is removed. Also, moxa can be used in conjunction with a needle. The needle is inserted as normal, and a bung of moxa is pressed onto the needle handle. When this is lit and smoulders away, the patient feels a pleasant warm sensation.
Cupping
Cups are small, round, glass vessels. A partial vacuum is created in the cup and then it is applied to the relevant area to create suction. This may be an area of pain, where the Qi has become blocked and needs to be moved, or over acupuncture points that are used to draw out a cold. This gentle suction is a natural way of dealing with pain.
Moxa Sticks
A moxa stick is a roll of moxa that can be burnt like a cigar. The hot end of the stick is moved around near the relevant area or acupuncture points. It is used to gently warm a larger area than moxa cones and has a more gentle effect. Moxa sticks may be used for a large range of conditions from a bad knee to turning breech position babies.
Massage
Massage is sometimes used by acupuncturists in conjunction with needles. We use simple techniques to loosen the muscles and move the Qi. A particular Chinese massage oil is used that is infused with herbs chosen for their therapeutic effects.
Electro-acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is a relatively new concept. The diagnosis and needling are done as normal according to traditional means, and one or two pairs of needles are connected by wires to a machine that gently stimulates the points. The idea of being 'wired up' is not desirable to some people, and we will always carefully explain what we are doing and respect your wishes. The treatment is completely safe and the results can be impressive.
Probes and Rollers
Sometimes it is preferable not to use needles, for example with the needle-phobic or very young children. Instead, we can use massage and probes or rollers. Children love these as they are like toys, and they may try it themselves! Parents can also be easily taught how to continue the massage at home where appropriate and we can advise you on this.
Press Tacks
Press tacks are very small needles tips attached to a tiny sterile plaster. They are used on the ear to provide a means for you to stimulate an acupuncture point away from the clinic. They can be useful for patients who are stressed and would benefit from being able to stimulate an acupuncture point to help them calm and relax. Press magnets are an alternative to the press tack. Instead of a needle tip there is a small magnetic pellet, which stimulates the acupuncture point. Tacks are often used in the treatment of addictions.