Frequently asked questions
Questions often asked at sessions
Q. What can TCM treat?
A. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a different diagnostic and treatment paradigm to that used in the West, i.e. allopathic medicine. Because of this different approach, conditions that are very hard to treat in Western medicine can be helped by the application of TCM. The majority of musculoskeletal problems, emotional disturbances, chronic conditions, acute conditions, skin conditions, breathing problems, sleep disorders, etc. can be helped by the application of one or more elements of TCM.
I’m often asked if the insertion of needles is painful. The vast majority of the people that see me often remark how painless the treatment is. Acupoints are distributed around the body, from the top of the head to the tips of the toes!
Q. How will I feel after a treatment?
A. Most people enjoy receiving Tui Na and Acupuncture and feel calm and relaxed after a treatment and typically enjoy a good nights sleep. A point to note however is that after Acupuncture that is applied from a systemic perspective a person’s system may oscillate for up to 72 hours afterwards. During this time the original symptoms may also flare up. However, after this period of oscillation the vast majority of people report a significant reduction in their symptoms.
Q. Should my doctor know I’m having Tui Na or Acupuncture?
A. If you are being treated by any other health-care professionals then it’s a good idea to let them know that you are receiving Tui Na and/or Acupuncture treatment. If you are taking medication, the treatment may enable you to reduce your dosage, but your doctor should always be consulted regarding any change in medication.
Q. Do I have to undress for Tui Na or Acupuncture?
A. Tui Na is usually performed over clothes, although sometimes if oils are to be used you will need to partially undress. Depending on the point used, you may have to move your clothing so that part of the skin is exposed for Acupuncture.
Q. How does the Qi Gong work?
A. As mentioned elsewhere in this website, Qi Gong is a medical form of movement. When a person comes for a session, and states that they are willing to practice Qi Gong at home, then a relevant exercise is given that will aid their condition. This exercise will have to be practiced daily to have any noticeable effect. The exercise will be tailored to the person’s flexibility and general state of health.
Q. How do I take the Chinese Herbs?
A. The Chinese Herbs I dispense come in powder or capsule form. The herbs are sourced from a Taiwanese Company that has an excellent record of quality and are double checked again before dispensing – once in Europe and again in Britain. Typically when taking the powder form the powder is mixed into a liquid, usually water, and then swallowed. In capsule format the powder is encapsulated and therefore easier to take.
Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. It’s impossible to generalise, as it depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and the individual response to treatment. As a general rule of thumb the longer a person has had a complaint, coupled with lower energy levels, then the more sessions will be required. For acute conditions and higher energy individuals a single treatment may suffice.