Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens in a treatment session?
- What does it feel like?
- What conditions is treatment good for?
- Are there any times when treatment should be avoided?
- How many sessions will be needed?
- What should I wear?
- How will I feel after a treatment?
- What if I am on medication?
- Can I have treatment if I am having other therapy?
What happens in a treatment session?
A session usually begins with a discussion about your health, including any specific problems and background on your work, family, eating and exercise patterns. This usually takes 20-30 minutes so your first consultation is longer to accomodate this. In subsequent visits the discussion is usually much shorter and focused on any changes that have taken place.
Consultation is followed by physical assessment and treatment, lasting about 50 minutes. I may use any varation of shiatsu, seitai, acupuncture, cupping or moxibustion but only if you agree. You can opt out of any technique - needles are not necessary! At the end there will be a little time to let the effects begin to settle in and to talk about the treatment.
Depth of pressure varies depending on your symptoms, pain threshold and personal taste: the aim is to suit you. Sometimes I need to manipulate joints quite strongly, sometimes I may simply hold you in an alignment position - every treatment is different. Acupuncture uses very thin, fine needles and my technique is generally very gentle: you may feel a slight sensation as the needles are inserted but there should be no pain thereafter. The overall effect of treatment is deeply relaxing - we aim for a meditative, slightly spacey feeling.
What conditions is treatment good for?
Theoretically shiatsu/acupuncture can help in most conditions. Sometimes it works directly, but other times it offers support and space for people to begin to come to terms with problems they face.
Conditions which are commonly cited include:
- stress
- back pain
- headaches and migraines
- whiplash injuries and neck stiffness
- joint pain and reduced mobility
- menstrual problems
- digestive problems
- asthmatic symptoms
- pregnancy and childbirth
- the side effects of cancer treatment
- sports injuries
- depression
Are there any times when treatment should be avoided?
You must tell me about any medical diagnosis so I can assess suitability - this can be done at the first consultation or you can phone/email me beforehand. In general, although treatment is very safe, it should really be avoided if you:
- have an infectious disease
- are suffering from any acute, feverish illness
- have internal bleeding or blood clots
- have had a major operation during the last 3 months
How many sessions will I need?
Over time, you become accustomed to imbalance so it is usually true that the the longer a condition has been present, the longer it takes to change. However, everyone is different and sometimes change is very rapid. I can usually give you an indication at the first consultation. Six sessions is generally considered a good estimate for most moderate symptoms but spacing varies: acute pain needs to be treated weekly, more chronic conditions usually monthly.
If possible, please wear loose clothing (although you may have to partially undress for acupuncture). By the way, don't drink alcohol or take recreational drugs before treatment!
Most people feel deeply relaxed and "spacey". If you have been running on empty for a while, you may feel sleepy as you become aware of your underlying tiredness. If you are in good health, you should feel more alive and energised. Emotions often surface after treatment : try to give yourself the time and space to let them come out.
Treatment will not interfere with medication; it aims to complement conventional medical treatment by giving an overall strengthening effect and improving the circulation of blood and lymph and reducing stress. If you are receiving medical treatment for a particular condition, then it may be advisable to inform or consult your doctor prior to having a treatment.
Can I have treatment if I am having other complementary therapy?
Yes, although it is generally best to leave at least a few days between different treatments to let the effects settle-in. If you have any concerns about mixing treatments, please discuss them with your practitioner.