FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture

What will happen on my first visit?

An intake form is sent before your treatment and any questions arising from this will be asked in your initial appointment.  A tongue photo may also be requested.  The first appointment includes a treatment. Please bring with you any medication you are taking.

Should I eat before treatment?

Yes – a small meal a couple hours before treatment is ideal.

What should I wear?

Clothing which allows easy access to arms and legs and that you are comfortable in.  Undressing may be required, depending on the course of treatment decided upon.

Where do you place the needles?

This will depend on the problem.  Points selected may be a combination of points local to the problem, points related to the problem area and specialist points.  For example, there are points on the hand that treat the back and points on the foot that treat the eyes.

How much do you charge?

The initial consultation is £80 including a treatment and follow up treatments are £80 each.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

24 hours notice is required, otherwise the full appointment fee will be charged .

How many treatments will I need?

Acupuncture has a cumulative effect.  Like western medicine you need to take a course of treatment for it to be effective.  How many treatments will depend on the problem, how acute or chronic it is, how long you have had it and whether the problem is constant or not.  Some conditions may clear in 4 – 6 treatments, others can be reviewed after this time as to how the treatment is progressing and the likelihood of resolving it.

Does acupuncture hurt?

A fully qualified acupuncturist is trained to insert needles in a fast, smooth action.  Some points are more sensitive than others.  A sensation of heat, numbness or tingling is desirable for some conditions to speed up healing.  This is called the arrival of “de qi” by the Chinese.

Should I stop taking my medicines when having acupuncture treatment?

No – while the objective may be to reduce or come off medicines, this must be done in consultation with the prescribing doctor.

Can I bring someone to the treatment with me?

No visitors are allowed, with the exception of someone accompanying a minor.  If you would like a chaperone, please call the clinic to discuss.  Visitors may wait in the car park.

Can I have an appointment outside of normal clinic hours?

If you are an existing client and you require an appointment outside of normal clinic hours, I will try my best to accommodate you.  Examples of this would be timely treatments around embryo transfer for IVF / fertility clients.

Do you do home visits for people who can not get out easily?

Claire Truss primarily works from her clinic in Loughton.  It is ground floor, no step access, with parking.

What should I do after treatment?

Drink plenty of water and refrain from vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.