What To Expect
Your First Acupuncture Session
During your first session we will discuss your general health, your lifestyle, any issues that are troubling you and what you would like to get out of treatment. The purpose of the first half of this session is to get to know who you are and what life looks like for you at the moment. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about Five Element Acupuncture treatment.
After a thorough consultation and diagnosis, I will carry out a brief physical examination before beginning your first treatment.
No preparation is required for the session, but to aid diagnosis I ask that you come wearing no make-up or scented products.
As natural light is helpful for diagnosis, your first session should take place during daylight hours where possible.
Initial consultation sessions typically last 1.5 - 2 hours. Please allow 2 hours for your appointment.
Subsequent Sessions
At the beginning of each follow up session, we will spend some time discussing how you are and reflecting on anything that may have come up since your last appointment. Treatment is a collaborative process led by you. My role is to listen to your feedback and your body’s natural cues in order to support your needs, symptoms and progress. Follow up sessions typically last approximately 1 hour, but the length of each session may vary according to your feedback and your body’s requirements on the day.
Course of Treatment
I recommend that patients initially commit to a minimum of 4-6 weekly sessions in order to create a strong foundation for treatment. The intervals between sessions will gradually increase over time as your symptoms improve. Long term, I advise patients to continue with regular treatment as acupuncture is an incredibly effective form of preventative medicine. It is important to remember that every case is unique and your treatment will unfold according to your individual constitution and circumstances.
Needles & Moxa
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine (approximately the diameter of a human hair) and are inserted at specific points on the body. Any sensation you feel will be short-lived and may range from a tingling to a dull ache. With 5 Element Acupuncture, individual needles are usually inserted briefly before being withdrawn. Occasionally, multiple needles may be left in for a short time.
Most points will be treated with moxibustion prior to needling. Moxibustion is the burning of Moxa (dried mugwort) on acupuncture points to stimulate the circulation of blood and qi. This process is safe and painless, with only gentle warmth and essential oils reaching the skin.
Confidentiality
Everything you say inside the treatment room is 100% confidential.
Personal information will only ever be shared if I consider an individual to be at risk of harm to themselves or others.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do so with at least 24 hours’ notice by emailing emma@emacupuncture.com.
Please be aware that the full appointment fee will be charged for any cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Still have questions about five element acupuncture? Feel free to email me here
I have been having regular treatment with Emma for over a year now. Her work has brought a lot of reassurance to my health journey. She is professional, thorough and knowledgeable in her practice. Above all, she is the most caring and compassionate practitioner I have come across. She’s attentive and willing to put time into listening and understanding my history and how it might be influencing the balance of my body. I truly feel the benefit of her treatment, especially when she reads my pulses, and I have no doubt that every time I see her she’s bringing me back to balance.
LUCY