Your first consultation
During your first visit your practitioner 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. 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 overall wellbeing. I will also take your pulse on both wrists, examine your tongue and feel for areas of muscular tension or pain.

Treatment plan and treatment
Based on all the information you have given, they will make a diagnosis and put together your treatment plan, which may include lifestyle and dietary advice as well as acupuncture. Very fine single-use pre-sterilised needles are used to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. Because energy meridians range across the whole body, the points used are not necessarily close to where you experience pain or discomfort. For example, if you suffer from headaches needles might be inserted in your arm or leg.

What to wear
You will not be asked to undress for your treatment - but loose trousers or a skirt which can roll up to the knee and a loose top which can roll up to the elbow are helpful. If your practitioner needs to use less accessible points - say on your stomach or shoulder - they will discuss this with you and will ensure to maintain your modesty.

Forms
If you have time to complete a health history questionnaire before your first appointment that would be great. Click here to download the form.