The patient / practitioner role is a fiduciary relationship built through a practitioner's compassionate understanding and a patient's expressive candor, this becomes fundamental when working with Five Element Acupuncture as ultimately the deeper the understanding the fewer needles are needed. For a lot of people being able to de-stress or talk through whatever has been on their mind and leave feeling uncluttered is a central part of treatment. In ancient times the acupuncturist was paid when patients were in good health as they understood its therapeutic preventative health benefits. Although initially I see patients in poor health the magic comes when they are restored to good health, returning when necessary, understanding the ancient principle.
Diagnosis
The consultation typically involves a detailed discussion of current medical conditions and history from childhood; however, it is a chance for me to find out more about a patient that specifically relates to the elemental makeup of the individual. As I gain a deeper understanding of a patient it is often possible to see the interplay of the elements which can manifest as patterns throughout the year or on a monthly basis which I can then work into treatments.
A diagnosis is not only based on questioning but by palpation of the abdomen and torso, checking blood pressure, tongue diagnosis, channel palpation, balance of the meridians and feeling the pulse of both wrists. As soon as I have needled a point the effect can be felt on the pulses, so monitoring them will also aid selection throughout a treatment.
Testimonials
"My main complaint cleared up quickly. However, I continue to have monthly sessions as a preventative measure and keep me healthy." DB, Coleshill
"My Fibromyalgia is kept under control but the emotional support I have gained is priceless" VC, Lapworth.
"I came to Heidi for back pain and women's issues, as that was being resolved I also noticed my breathing improved reducing the need for my inhaler" RB, Coleshill.
Acupuncture is not just about needles!
I am fully trained to use other forms of Chinese medicine techniques to benefit and aid relief of symptoms.
Moxibustion - Commonly known as "Mugwort" it's healing properties have been used over centuries to strengthen blood, aid circulation and stimulate the flow of "qi". There are two forms, either direct - where small cones are placed on an acupuncture point or indirect encompassing either moxa on the end of the needle inserted into a point or the use of a moxa stick.
Cupping Therapy - Plastic or glass cups are placed onto the skin to form a vacuum which stimulates the flow of blood and "qi", aiding circulation by breaking up obstructions and creating an avenue in which toxins can be drawn out of the body.
Gua Sha - Is an ancient Eastern technique involving scraping of the skin using a specially designed tool or soup spoon. "Gua" means to scrape and "sha" is the residual redness on the skin. It is an effective method used to treat chronic pain disorders or conditions that are prone to congestion of blood and "qi", the result of the "sha" can last 1-4 days. Gua sha is also used to stimulate collagen and blood flow to the face helping to decrease wrinkles. This method is much gentler and massages the skin leaving no marks or residual affects.
Electro Acupuncture - Is a recent practice and has been successfully used to treat chronic/acute pain, muscle spasms, where there is weak "qi" flow or an accumulation and in certain fertility protocols to stimulate blood flow. Acupuncture needles are inserted into points and the clips are attached, a low electrical current is then passed through the needle gently stimulating the point. Invigorating the area or points will last no longer than 30 minutes and carefully monitored.
Auricular Acupuncture - Having recently attended a training course I can now offer Auricular Acupuncture as an addition to treatments or as a stand alone treatment for addiction. There is a widely used protocol for smoking cessation, alcohol, drug or weight management used within rehabilitation clinics or private clinics. It will aid success for anyone that wants help with the above. Auricular acupuncture is the use of the micro system within the ear and is not related to the main organ system used within traditional acupuncture. The size of the needles used are even smaller than usual acupuncture needles and it is not always neccessary to use them as ear seeds or magnets can also be applied with a similar affect.
Frequently asked Questions.
Will I have to undress during treatment?
During the consultation I need access to your front torso and the whole back, depending on your symptoms I may also need to place needles above the knee so wear loose comfortable clothing. You will have access to a blanket at all times. There are about 500 points located all over the body so subsequent treatments may require you to have to remove an item of clothing temporarily while I needle the point.
Is there anything I need to do before/after treatment?
Make sure you eat a moderate meal an hour or so before treatment as it stabilises blood sugar levels and your pulse ensuring a true picture of the bodies function. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee or foods which may stain your tongue. After treatment ensure that you avoid alcohol and keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Patients may feel tired after treatment so get an early night or if possible have a siesta!
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the condition being treated. However, you will normally start to see improvement after 4-5 sessions; again this will vary from patient to patient. Chronic or long-standing conditions will take longer to treat and patients often experience improvements in other areas first.
Should I tell my doctor or stop medication?
If you are currently under a medical practitioner then it is a sensible option to keep them informed. I will need to know the name of all medication taken so bringing them to the consultation is advisable. You should always continue taking any prescribed medication and consult with the medical practitioner who prescribed them before reducing meds.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Some patients experience a tingling or numbing sensation at the point needled which can vary in intensity from patient to patient and which lasts a few seconds, while others experience a sensation elsewhere in the body. For many patients that live with pain daily the sensation from acupuncture is light relief. The acupuncture needles I use are 0.18mm or 0.16mm which is like working with a stiffened strand of hair, for those that are needle phobic I can use alternative methods but highly recommend a consultation in the first instance.
