About treatment
The moment you come to me for treatment, I want you to know that we are embarking on this journey together, as a team. I therefore encourage you to embrace this as a two-way process, and accept this journey as an invitation to be open to change, an invitation to come into a healing state. And know that I am there for you 100%, every step of the way.
About your appointment
Before your appointment
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You will receive an email confirming your appointment with relevant details, including an intake and consent form to complete at least 24 hours beforehand.
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Please note that there is a 24-hour cancellation policy, so let me know timeously if you can't make it so that your slot may be filled. Any last-minute cancellations will unfortunately need to be charged the full amount unless it is an unavoidable emergency.
What to wear/bring
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Loose fitting, comfy clothes.
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Depending on the treatment, you may be expected to remove your clothing to your underwear. Some people like to bring along a pair of shorts for this reason. You will however be given a blanket or towel to cover yourself.
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Where possible, please wear a bra that unhooks rather than a sports bra, so that I may fully access your back when needed.
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Keep make-up and perfume to a minimum.
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Bring along your water bottle as it is good to stay hydrated.
Your appointment
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Your first appointment will take around 1.5-2 hours and includes a personal and physical assessment, including an overview of your medical history, family history, medication, lifestyle, sleep etc in order to gain a full picture of what may be behind your symptoms. I will then run some diagnostic tests, including taking your pulse, temperature, blood pressure, looking at your tongue etc. This will be followed by your first treatment.
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Subsequent treatments are around 45 minutes to an hour (but please giver yourself 1.5 hours on the parking in case we run over).
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Appointments are carefully scheduled, so please arrive on time. Let me know if you are running late.
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Relax and enjoy your treatment – take this time for yourself
Dos and Don'ts after treatment
help your treatment last longer
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Do drink water (especially after guasha or cupping treatment) to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins
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Do take it easy - your body recovers better in a rest state, so give yourself permission to rest
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Do avoid stress if you can – you don’t want to undo all that lovely acu calm
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Do take some time in nature to ground yourself
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Do dress warmly or have a soothing warm bath, and add Epsom Salts if you can – heat and warmth encourages the flow of Qi
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Do try stay off screens and devices as long as you can – why not extend your state of acu?
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Do be kind and gentle with yourself
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Don’t partake in any heavy exercise – keep it gentle otherwise you disperse and redirect the Qi that we have carefully guided towards your healing
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Don’t drink alcohol or eat any heavy meals
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Don’t use ice packs or consume cold foods or drinks – ice and cold are counter-productive as they slow down and restrict the flow of Qi
What to expect after treatment
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You should feel peaceful after treatment, but you may feel slightly tired - try give yourself time to rest.
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You might need to urinate more than normal after treatment – this is considered normal and is part of the body’s way of elimination as it returns to a state of equilibrium.
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While acupuncture is a safe treatment modality, some rare and minor side effects may be experienced in a small number of patients. This may include drowsiness; nausea; dizziness; bruising; a skin rash; a dull ache or minor local swelling; or tenderness or discomfort at the site of treatment.
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Your symptoms may also temporarily get worse after treatment, particularly after your first treatment. This is considered normal and is often a “detox effect” and is a way for the body to release as it comes back into a healing state, however, please contact me if you have any concerns.