Richard Doggett Acupuncturist

WHAT HAPPENS IN TREATMENT?

 

First session

During the initial session, I ask a series of questions. These begin with what has brought you to acupuncture, how this problem came about and when. Following this we would discuss more your general health, such as sleep, appetite etc. These questions will help me to understand your condition from a Chinese medical perspective. I will then probably ask you to lie on the couch, and will take your pulse and ask to see your tongue. These are two techniques that help to add to the diagnosis. After this, if you are ready, I will do some acupuncture. An initial session lasts 1 and a 1/4 hours.

What does it feel like? Generally it will feel like a dull ache, or a tingling sensation, or at times a sensation of movement or warmth. It is usually not painful, but these sensation can at times be quite strong.

What needles do I use?

All my needles are single use, sterilized needles. I use a variety of gauges, from very fine to very very fine !

Does it have any side effects?

Although in general there are no side effects from a treatment, there is the possibility of feeling a mild dizziness, or feeling light headed at the end of a session, which normally passes with a few minutes. Treatment can be deeply relaxing so you may also feel sleepy or slightly spaced out afterwards. I recommend not undertaking anything too demanding after a treatment, I also believe this helps to maximize the benefit of a treatment. Other possible side effects of Acupuncture, although these are extremely rare, can be: bruising, fainting, slight bleeding, muscle spasm, nerve damage and pneumothorax (puncturing of the lung).

Follow up sessions

In a follow up session, I will generally spend less time asking questions, and more time doing acupuncture. Follow ups last 1 hour.

Changes in your energy:

Over a course of treatments, you may experience changes in your sleep patterns, your appetite, or bowel movements, or to your menstrual cycle. These are signs of your energy rebalancing itself, and are not a cause for concern.

Your health and well-being is of course the priority in the treatment process, so if something seems inappropriate to the treatment process, then this can be discussed, and appropriate action can be taken.

How long can a course of treatment take?

This of course is specific to each individual. This is the beauty of Chinese Medicine, it sees each person individually, in intricate detail. In general, a chronic condition will take longer to resolve than an acute one. I always suggest coming for 6 sessions to begin with, in order to have a real idea how treatment may progress. It may be that your problem will resolve within those sessions, or it may take longer.

Additional techniques:

Moxibustion - This is when the herb Mugwort is used to warm a needle, or to warm an area of the body. I use it in small cones that are lit, and then glow gently on top of the needle. I also use it in some instances in its loose form, as well as in a cigar form to warm a larger area of the body. It is perfectly safe, and creates a deep warming sensation.

Cupping - This is the use of warmed glass ‘cups’ to create a gentle suction. This is an excellent technique for when there is a blockage in a certain area, it is similar to massage in this way. It can also be used to strengthen and encourage movement in other areas, for example if someone has a cold, it is very good for helping to strengthen and move the lung energy, by doing cupping on the upper back. It is generally very pleasant and relaxing. It will also leave bruises, a sign that it is working, which are generally not painful, but will last for a few days.

Gua Sha - This is a technique where by an area of the body is rubbed, or scraped using massage oil and a specifically shaped tool. In a similar way to cupping, this is excellent for moving qi in areas that it has become stuck. It also will encourage movement deeper within the body, even though it is done on the surface.