What to expect on your first visit?
During your first I will need to gain a thorough understanding of your main complaint and your general health and lifestyle. This involves asking questions about your current symptoms and your medical history, as well as such things as your sleeping pattern, your appetite and digestion, and your emotional wellbeing. Women are also asked about their menstrual cycle and any past pregnancies and childbirth.
Some questions appear unrelated to your condition but the information you give helps me form a more complete picture of your health and lifestyle. I will also take your pulse on both wrists and may if allowed with current Covid guidelines look at your tongue.
Your main complaint and the reason you came for a treatment.
When talking about your main complaint, I will ask you to describe in your own words what the symptoms feel like and how severe they are. How long you have had them and if they come and go or are constant. It is important to tell me any medications you are on and supplements and vitamins.
All of this will help me make a diagnosis according to classical Chinese medicine and traditional Chinese medicine theory and to find the right treatment approach, for a treatment plan for that day and moving forwards.
I will explain exactly what I am doing as the treatment continues and encourage you to tell be how you feel or if you get any sensation when the needles are used this is to be expected and in Chinese medical theory we call this “De Qi”.
The needles we use are very fine single-use pre-sterilised needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. Energy meridians range across the whole body, the points used are not necessarily close to where you experience the pain or discomfort have come to have treated. For example, if you suffer from headaches needles might be inserted in your foot or hand.
Techniques
As well as needling acupuncture points, I may use other Chinese medicine techniques such as:
( Moxa and Fire Cupping only available at Haywards Heath Clinic)
Moxibustion: heat is applied to an acupuncture point or meridian using moxa (a therapeutic herb) and/or heat lamps to warm and relax muscles and qi.
Fire Cupping: glass cups are heated gently to produce a vacuum seal are placed on the skin to stimulate blood flow and clear stagnant qi.
After-effects
Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment. You may feel a little tired or sleepy and should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use heavy machinery straight after your treatment.
You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and, ideally, give yourself a little time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for several hours after treatment.
Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. Cupping can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Such bruising is painless and generally clears within a day or two.
What to wear
A lot of points I will use are on your lower arms and legs so loose clothing that can easily be rolled up is best. It may be necessary to uncover your abdomen or back and I ask you to bring your own towel so we can cover you and keep you warm and relaxed during your treatment.
The Jing Well 