What conditions can Chinese medicine treat?

“Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats a number of issues and approaches treating ailments from a holistic perspective. A variety of symptoms are treatable such as pain, IBS, colitis, infertility, neuropathy, arthritis, insomnia, stress and depression. TCM can treat chronic and/or acute problems as well.”

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

The Chinese medicine theory believes that it is important to treat both the symptoms and their root.

Acupuncture can usually provide a quick remedy by relieving the symptoms. For instance, many forms of pain are stopped as soon as acupuncture needles are inserted.
In contrast, Chinese herbs are usually used to tackle the root of problems and it usually takes much longer before their benefit can be clearly felt. However, since Chinese medicine is holistic, you may feel that you are in better shape as soon as you begin your herbal treatment.

Although in the west people usually associate acupuncture with pain relief, when combined with herbs, it can treat a variety of conditions.

CONDITIONS

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Pain Relief from head to toe of chronic pain conditions, Back, Shoulder and Neck Pain, Sciatica, Repetitive Strain Injury, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Headaches, Migraine, Arthritis, Sports Injuries, Tennis Elbow.

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

Nausea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Constipation, Colitis, Gastritis, Indigestion, Food Allergies, Diarrhoea

EMOTIONAL DISORDERS

Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Stress, Insomnia

FATIGUE

Tiredness, ME, Fibromyalgia

RESPIRATORY

Asthma, Sinusitis, Cough, Sore Throat, Colds/Flus, Rhinitis

ALLERGIES

Hayfever, Skin reactions

WOMAN'S HEALTH

Hormone Regulation, Vulvodynia, PMT, Painful Periods, Amenorrhea, Irregular Menstruation, Menopause

FERTILITY & PREGNANCY

Pregnancy-Related Conditions, Male and Female Infertility, Miscarriage and IVF support, Postnatal Pain

SKIN and HAIR CONDITIONS

Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne, Urticaria, Hair Loss

HEALTH ISSUES

After-effects of Stroke, Tinnitus, Ménière's disease

URINARY TRACT DISEASES

Cystitis, Urethritis

ADDICTIONS

Smoking, Food, Alcohol, Drug

Common Questions

Q: How does acupuncture work?

A: Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine, disposable needles are inserted into specific points on the body call “Acu-points”. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy – known as “Qi” – moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities – Yin and Yang – and when these become imbalanced, illness may result.

By inserting fine needles into the acupuncture channels, acupuncture aims to restore a natural balance of Yin and Yang throughout the whole body, seeking to treat the root course of the diseases.

Q: What are the needles like?

A: Only sterile, disposable needles are used so there is no risk of infection.

All the needles we use are sterile, come in sterile packaging, and are disposed of safely after a single use. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and are extremely fine. Unlike the hollow needles used in hospitals or GP clinics, acupuncture needles are solid, they are hair-thin, very flexible, and not designed to cut the skin.

Q: Does Acupuncture hurt?

A: Although people experience different sensations from acupuncture, acupuncture treatments are rarely described as painful. You might feel a slight prick or a tingling feeling, which is often compared to a mosquito bite and disappears very quickly. Once the needles are inserted, they may be manipulated to obtain a mild “DeQi” sensation, which is normally described as warming, heavy, numb, or tingling.

We take great care to make customers very comfortable so that they can relax while the needles are in place. It is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm during the acupuncture treatment, many people even fall asleep.

Q: How quickly can I expect to feel better?

A: This depends on the type of condition being treated, as well as the individual’s response to treatments. Generally speaking, most patients start to feel the benefits from acupuncture in 2-3 treatments. If the symptom is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 3-5 treatments to resolve. For the chronic and long-term problem, it may take a course of treatments to help resolve.

On your first visit, your acupuncturist will carry out an initial consultation, produce a confidential report and a treatment plan. The suggested treatment plan is based on our experience with treating your particular condition.

Q: How often should I be treated?

A: Typically we suggest start from once a week. If the condition is acute and severe, you may need treatments 2-3 times per week for the first couple of weeks. As conditions improve, patients start to need acupuncture less and less frequently. Typically, after a while, patients only have acupuncture review periodically for maintenance.

Q: What should I wear for an acupuncture session?

A: It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothes that can be easily rolled up above your elbows and knees. It is best if your pants are stretchy and can be pulled easily above the knee so as not to constrict your leg. If you have long hair, it helps to bring a headband or hair tie.

Q: Does insurance cover Acupuncture?

A: Most insurance does ( SimplyHealth, Healthshield, HSF Health Plan, Paycare, etc.) We are members of FTCM and you need to check with your insurance plan.

We will give you a receipt and/or fill out a form you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.