Feeling secure and completely at ease will help you enjoy the experience of acupuncture and get as much out of it as possible.

Everything about your experience here at the clinic is consciously designed to make sure you feel relaxed and comfortable.

The clinic rooms are large, bright, peaceful and luxurious.  The treatment couches are extra wide and gently heated so you can deeply relax; we often play soothing music, much of which has been chosen to suit particular issues, for example, there are musical pieces specifically composed to influence the mood in the case of depression, or to soothe anxiety;  we also have an external music consultant who advises on particular music to suit, again for example, the seasons or even the weather.  Apart from being very enjoyable, the ability to completely relax and let go during treatment means that your Qi (energy) can flow more readily and this really helps treatment.

Samantha takes a detailed history of your health

Getting to know you and your main health concern (or concerns) is a vital part in the process of ensuring your treatment is completely tailored to what’s important.

  • The first appointment for acupuncture is generally 1.5 hrs long and is designed to map a comprehensive and clear picture of your health, what’s brought you here and what you’d like to achieve.
    • 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.
    • You might feel that some questions appear unrelated to your condition but the information you give helps to form a more complete picture of your health and lifestyle.
    • Your pulse on both wrists will be taken along with observation of your tongue and examining for areas of muscular tension or pain.
    • Once a clear picture of your health and goals is formed, a specific acupuncture treatment plan will be formulated just for you and in agreement with you.
    • The treatment plan will have your overall goals at its core.
  • When you are comfortable on the treatment couch, ultra-fine needles are placed at specific acupuncture points.
    • People often feel the sensation of these points but rarely is this described as painful.
  • Depending on your condition, other techniques may also be used such as:
    • 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 mobilise your Qi
    • tuina: Chinese therapeutic massage and manual techniques relieve muscle tension, stimulates acupressure points, opens energy meridians and stimulates the flow of Qi
    • cupping: glass or plastic cups with a vacuum seal are placed on the skin to stimulate blood flow and clear & move stagnant Qi
    • guasha: vigorous rubbing of the skin increases blood flow and clears stagnant Qi
  • The acupuncture needles are left in typically between 30 and 50 minutes – the length of time depends on what is being treated and your overall condition.
    • The vast majority of people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment.  Many people actually fall asleep during 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. Try not to drink alcohol for several hours before and after treatment
  • Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. Cupping and guasha can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Any marks are normally painless and generally clear within a few days.
  • Follow up treatments, if needed, last an hour.
  • Lifestyle & dietary advice along with self-help exercises are commonly given after treatment and many patients find this extremely helpful.
  • Your treatment is kept under continual review by Samantha to ensure your health goals are being met. If Samantha feels it necessary, she will suggest (or refer you to) other health practitioners.