Stamford Brook Acupuncture

What do diagnosis and treatment involve?

Diagnosis

During the first session. a detailed questioning is undertaken of symptoms, past medical history, diet and lifestyle and functioning of all the body systems. Diagnosis also includes examination of the pulse and tongue which are important aspects of diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each individual is different so what the practitioner is looking for is not isolated symptoms but a total picture of the patient.

Treatment

When the needles (which are extremely fine) are inserted, a sensation is sometimes felt which has often been described as "tingling", "numbness" or a "dull ache". This lasts only for a second or so and as rarely unacceptable. Sometimes the neeedles are left in for a very short time or they may be in place for 20 minutes or so during which time there is often a pleasant feeling of relaxation. Only sterilised, single use, disposable needles are used in this practice.

Chinese Patent Remedies in Tablet Form

In some cases Chinese Patent herbal remedies (in tablet form) may also be prescribed, many of which are based on formulas which have been used for centuries.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the treatment of certain diseases by the application of gentle heat to acupuncture points. "Moxa" is a smouldering herb "artemesia vulgaris" (commonly known as mugwort) which is used to encourage the body's energy to flow smoothly. Acupuncture and moxibustion are often used together. The rolled burning herb can either be held near to skin and in certain types of pain conditions rolled moxa is often used on the end of needles and the heat penetrates down the needle into the body. Studies also show that by using it on a specific point on the body it can be effective in turning breech babies.

Cupping

Also often used in pain conditions, glass cups can be applied to the surface of the skin to stimulate the circulation of energy.