CHINESE HEALTHCARE

1. WHAT FORM OF TREATMENT DO I NEED?
There are several kinds of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The practitioner will suggest a form of treatment according to your particular condition, acupuncture for example, may be recommended for the patient with sciatica; whilst herbs or herbal preparations are often applied for young children, or those who suffer from eczema or other skin disorders.

If your illness is complex or persistent, a combination of treatments may be used.
top of page

2. HOW WILL I FEEL DURING AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
This varies with each individual. You may expect to feel a momentary prick, then tingling, numbness and heaviness around the point. These are positive signs that the treatment is being effective.

Whilst the needles are in place patients normally experience a feeling of great peace, tranquillity and relaxation.
top of page

3. IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO TAKE HERBS?
Traditional Chinese herbs are generally very safe. They originate from plants, minerals and other natural substances. Each herb has a different nature and function and is usually used in combination to promote a therapeutic effect.

The herbs are available in different preparations:

Decoctions: Here the herbs are boiled in water for a specified period of time, the liquid is then drunk. The effects of this preparation are strong and immediately perceived by the patient.

Pills: These are made of finely ground ingredients which are absorbed slowly by the body over a long period of time.

Granules: This is a modern formulation which is based upon the decoction and syrup. Granules are absorbed by the body more quickly than pills, and are consequently a stronger acting preparation.

Extracts: These are made by extracting the active ingredients of herbs which are then either made into tablets, pills or capsules. This is considered to be an effective and convenient way to dispense Chinese herbal medicine.

Cream: Important for skin disorders, the creams are made of powdered ingredients and applied externally.
top of page

4. WHAT REACTION SHOULD I EXPECT?
As we are all very different in our mental and physical make up and vary in our reaction to an illness, it is reasonable to expect that each person will also respond to a treatment in an individual way. For most people an improvement or relief of symptoms is noticed after just a few times of treatment.

Very occasionally after taking herbal or acupuncture treatment your symptoms may become slightly worse. This effect will be brief and is probably a good sign that the body's natural defensive energies have started to counteract the illness.
top of page

5. CAN I TAKE THE SAME HERBS FOR A LONG PERIOD
With the exception of a few tonics you should not take the same herbs over a long period of time. When you are consulted by a TCM practitioner, a prescription is made especially for you at that moment in time. However, as our body condition is in a constant state of flux, the prescription should be modified from time to time to accommodate progress of your illness and granule condition.

Taking the same herbs for too long may bring about some unwanted side effects, it is therefore important to regularly consult your TCM practitioner.
top of page

6. SHOULD I CONTINUE TO TAKE THE MEDICATION PRESCRIBED BY MY GP WITH THE CHINESE MEDICINE?
There is generally no conflict between conventional medicine and TCM, and in most cases they can be used in combination.

For some patients it may not be necessary to continue using medicines prescribed by their GP. However, for more serious illnesses such as cardiac disorders, severe hypertension and epilepsy, patients are not advised to abandon their orthodox treatment as this could disturb the balance of the body.

It is essential at all times to be guided by your practitioner.
top of page

7. IS TREATMENT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
Yes. Care is taken to avoid contraindicated acupuncture points in the abdomen and lumbar sacral region; and only the most gentle and safe herbs are prescribed.

In fact acupuncture is extremely effective for the most commonly seen symptoms of pregnancy — morning sickness, nausea and vomiting. Whilst herbs may be used to prevent or treat miscarriage.
top of page

8. HOW OFTEN AND FOR HOW LONG SHOULD I COME FOR TREATMENT?
This depends. TCM practitioners direct their attention towards the physiological and psychological wellbeing of the individual. They treat the root cause of disease (not just symptoms) and aim to restore the body's natural balance.

New, acute illnesses e.g. lumber sprain or neck stiffness need only a few times of treatment to be cured. For more persistent or chronic illness, at least one 'course' constituting 10-15 treatments is required, for which patients will need to visit the clinic up to twice a week.

You must be prepared to give the treatment enough time to run its course.
top of page

9. IS THERE ANY ADVICE FOR MY DIET?
Yes. For the average individual a regular and varied diet is encouraged, as over indulgence in any particular food may cause various forms of malnutrition or other diseases. However for some patients specific dietary adjustments are required, these may be to assist in the treatment of skin disorders, peptic ulcers, cystitis, prostatitis, or simply to assist the therapeutic effects of the herbs.
top of page

10. ARE THERE ANY HERBS OR TONICS THAT WOULD MAKE ME STRONGER?
Yes, we have some herbs that can strengthen the body's defences against disease or supplement an area/process of the body that is insufficient or weakened, e.g.. Radix Ginseng (Ren Shen). This herb strongly tonifies the basal Ql (energy), strengthens the functions of the internal organs, generates fluids and calms the spirit.

You will need to consult a TCM practitioner to ensure that the herbal tonic is chosen to suit your individual needs.

Please note: we always use sterile disposable needles which are thrown away immediately after your treatment.
top of page