What to expect

Your First Consultation

Picture of someone having their pulse taken prior to treatment
Pulse-taking during an Acupuncture consultation

During your first visit I will ask you questions about your current symptoms and medical history in order to gain a thorough understanding of your main complaint, general health and any pain you might be experiencing. You might feel that some questions appear unrelated to your condition, but these all help to form a complete picture of your health and lifestyle.

The questioning process during an initial Acupuncture consultation will be much longer and more detailed than during an initial Shiatsu session because the diagnostic procedure is very different. The diagnosis made before a course of Acupuncture is largely by questioning, taking your pulse and looking at your tongue. Shiatsu diagnosis is made largely via touch, and I may palpate areas of muscular tension or pain.

Receiving Acupuncture

Treatments are carried out on a massage couch and involve the use of fine needles; other techniques such as cupping and moxibustion may also be used. Because the energy channels range across the whole body, the Acupuncture points used are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the problem. For example, although you might suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or your hand. Many commonly used Acupuncture points are located on the lower arms and legs, so it is helpful to wear clothing that allows easy access to these areas.

Please make sure that you eat something a few hours before treatment.

Receiving Shiatsu

Shiatsu treatments take place on a futon mattress. Please wear loose, warm clothing and comfortable trousers. The treatment will be tailored to your needs and state of health; it may be very gentle and nourishing, or more dynamic and manipulative. Hands-on techniques may include a combination of pressure, stretching, gentle holding, rotations, osteopathy, and chiropractic techniques and moves similar to those used in physiotherapy. Your progress is monitored and treatments are adjusted during courses of Shiatsu to meet your needs and obtain optimum results.