Frequently asked questions
Special Measures during Covid-19 epidemic
A full risk assessment has been conducted. Juliette Brickley Acupuncture operates in accordance with the comprehensive Covid secure guidelines, set out by her professional and regulatory, The British Acupuncture Council and following devolved Government guidelines.
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Prior to treatment, you will be screened to assess vulnerability, and for Covid-19 symptoms. Where possible, diagnosis and feedback from treatments will be carried out via telephone/skype to limit face to face contact. You will be advised of clinic procedures in advance.
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Enhanced hygiene, hand washing and infection control measures are in place with appropriate disinfecting of clinic between patients. On arrival you will be asked to wash your hands and offered a surgical face mask before entering the treatment room. Face masks are not currently mandatory, but will be worn by practitioner. The two-metre distance between practitioner and patient will be observed when possible.
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IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19: HIGH TEMP, NEW PERSISTENT COUGH IN LAST 10 DAYS OR LOSS OF SMELL/TASTE - PLEASE DO NOT COME TO YOUR APPOINTMENT, CALL AND CANCEL.
What will happen during my first treatment
To gain a thorough understanding of your main complaint, general health and lifestyle, you will be asked a series of questions surrounding current symptoms, medical history, sleep, digestion, and emotional wellbeing (conducted by telephone or Skype during Covid Pandemic) Your pulses will be taken on both wrists and your tongue with be examined. Depending on your complaint, specific areas of your body may be palpated for muscle tension or pain. You may be asked to change into a gown prior to treatment, although many commonly used acupuncture points are found on the lower arms and legs so its helpful to wear loose fitting clothing.
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Based on all the information you have provided, the practitioner will make a diagnosis and put together your treatment plan, which may include lifestyle and dietary advice as well as acupuncture. Your practitioner will use very fine single-use pre-sterilised needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body.
Are there any after effects?
Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment. You may feel a little tired or sleepy and should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use heavy machinery straight after your treatment.
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You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and, ideally, give yourself a little time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for several hours after treatment.
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Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. Cupping and guasha can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Such bruising is painless and generally clears within a day or two.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
The needles used in treatment are extremely fine, as fine as a human hair, so insertion and manipulation of the needle isn't painful.
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When the needle contacts the energy, or Qi, of the Acupuncture point you are likely to experience a needle sensation which some describe as a tingling, warmness, numb sensation or slight, dull ache.
How many treatments will I need?
This will vary from patient to patient, dependent on the nature of the illness or condition being treated. Improvement to the patient's main complaint is commonly felt with 4-6 treatments, although many patient's notice an immediate improvement or change in symptoms from the start of treatment.
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Ideally patients will have weekly treatment until symptoms improve. Many will experience additional benefits, such as an improvement to their sleep, energy levels or generally well being. With the main complaint resolved or under control, some patients choose to have monthly or 6 weekly 'top-ups' to stay well and to experience the continuing benefits of vitality and well being.
