Treatments are tailored to each individual’s presenting health picture. This is an ongoing process, reviewed between practitioner and patient at regular intervals of treatment. The aim is to help each individual to get well as soon as possible.
Acupuncture:
How many treatments will I need?
Typically, a course of acupuncture treatment will be 5 or 6 sessions. The time between treatments depends on the condition. Weekly sessions are typical to start, in order to make progress with your presenting health concern. Later, less frequent maintenance sessions may be useful. Some conditions require 2-3 treatments per week to start, in order to progress most quickly.
Will it hurt?
Each person has an individual response to acupuncture needling, which may vary from session to session. The needles are as fine as a human hair, and not hollow as needles used to administer medicine or extract blood are. This tends to lessen the sensation of the needle at the point of insertion. Typically, insertion is painless, or may feel similar to a mosquito bite and the feeling during treatment has been described as tingling, gentle pulling, or simply relaxing. Many patients experience a distinct sense of relaxation during treatment. For more myofascial restrictions, a more moving type of stimulation may be applied to the needles once inserted in order to encourage muscle tissue release.
Chinese Cupping:
What is it and will it hurt?
Chinese cupping involves application of a smooth glass cup, in which a vacuum suction and negative pressure has been created, to areas of muscle tension, chronic fascial adhesions, and areas of muscle spasm or tissue congestion. Typical sessions involve application of 4-6 cups, and include application of sliding technique or stationary application for 15-30 minutes. The aim is to increase blood flow to areas of pain or restriction, reduce adhesions in connective tissue, and thereby encouraging free flow and natural movement in tissues. In Chinese medical thought, cupping can clear blockages that exist in the meridian system that contain the acupuncture points. It is often helpful for areas chronic tension (long-standing knots!). The feeling during treatment has been described as a relaxing suction.
Therapeutic/ cupping massage:
Therapeutic massage involves a discussion of client goals and concerns in conjunction with acupuncture treatment and/or cupping. A treatment is designed to specifically address an ongoing target area.
Massage can be provided through the clothes, as in Acupressure or Tui Na, or possibly with the use of therapeutic oils and Chinese cupping to help loosen muscle tension and create glide for the cupping.
If relevant, we can refer you to a number of affiliated professionals that may complement treatment you receive.
