Helping You Feel Better
FAQ
You’ve Got Questions - We’ve Got Answers
How is Appleyard Acu different from other clinics?
The acupuncture practiced is a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and 5 Element Acupuncture specially designed and delivered to meet the lifestyles and needs of the modern western patient. Our main focus is women's health, pain relief, allergies and emotional well-being.
We are a smoke free clinic preferring to use a heat lamp rather than burning substances.
The clinic space is sole use, modern, spacious with a calm and soothing ambiance looking over an ancient orchard. You are invited to take some time relaxing in the comfortable chairs provided outside in the orchard after your appointment, soak up some bird song and allow your body to integrate the treatment before rejoining the busy world.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra fine, sterile needles into the skin to stimulate function and evoke the body’s natural healing response. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may be added to further enhance the effects.
Acupuncture is a thousands of year's old healing technique based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, ("Qi" pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called channels, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. If the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting trapped in a pipe, it can lead to pain, discomfort, illness or impeded function.
Bio-medical research has demonstrated acupuncture’s positive effects on the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, sleep efficiency and emotional well-being.
What to expect?
On your first appointment we take a full detailed patient case history covering personal and medical history. A physical examination will be carried out at each appointment including; inspection of the tongue, taking of pulse and physical palpation, in order to determine the best course of treatment.
You may need to remove some clothing before getting comfortable on the treatment table where the acupuncture will take place. Once the prescribed needles have all be inserted you will have a period of time to relax quietly and absorb the effects. All needles are sterilised and single use.
It is not unusual for patients to fall asleep during acupuncture.
Allow 1.5 hour for the initial appointment. Subsequent appointments will involve a brief consultation update followed by the treatment time of up to 1 hour.
Please make it known in advance of your appointment if you are uncomfortable with any part of the process (for example treatments can be tailored for the hands/feet/ears to avoid taking off clothes) and if you require a chaperone. Similarly please advise of any mobility issues prior to your appointment.
How should I prepare for my appointment
The main acupuncture points are below the elbow and knee and if you wear loose clothing these points can be easily accessed. Gym type clothes are ideal. Slip on shoes for ease of removing.
You will be asked to remove jewellery/ watches etc (apart from wedding rings or similar).
What not to worry about: Your hair, make-up, your underwear, shaving etc none of this is important. Just clean dry skin.
What should I do after my appointment?
The main goal of acupuncture is to open any blocked energy pathways, so what you do after the treatment can have an impact. There are some simple tips below to help you get the most from your acupuncture treatment.
Keep hydrated water helps to flush out the toxins that are released. Dehydration can which can taper the positive effects of the acupuncture. If you can avoid caffeine that would be in your best interest, Similarly, if you can avoid alcohol you will reduce dehydrating effects. Alcohol can impair your senses and mask the positive effects of the acupuncture. While your body is eliminating toxins, it is best not to introduce new ones.
Slow Down After acupuncture it is best to slow down a bit if you can. Minimise exercise especially any long, intense cardio workout like running or spinning, consider taking a walk. You may find that sweating can irritate the skin where the needles were inserted, so aim to get less sweaty.
Avoid screens; if you can resist the urge to use screens after acupuncture, it allows you to enjoy the relaxing benefits for much longer. Screens flashing images and bright lights can be irritating to your eyes and make you feel on edge. The light of the screen can interfere with your circadian rhythm, which is your body’s natural sense of day and night. Instead read a book, listen to soothing music, or do something else you enjoy.
Don’t ice as the cooling affect slows the body flow of energy. Heat is the recommended therapy after acupuncture so perhaps try a hot bath or a heating pad in the areas where you received acupuncture needles.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects may include drowsiness, minor bruising or fainting but these are rare. Occasionally symptoms may worsen temporarily, this is typically a good sign showing the treatment is working.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is assessed individually and some conditions require longer courses of treatment than others. I usually suggest 3 – 6 sessions, although in very acute conditions improvements can occur more quickly whilst chronic conditions it is likely to take longer. Initially, treatments are given bi-weekly or weekly progressing to fortnightly as the required response is achieved. Once an approximate 80% improvement is reached patients usually switch to monthly tune up sessions to maintain health.