Treatments:

• Acupuncture
• Ear acupuncture
• Facial rejuvenation (see separate heading above)
• Moxibustion: burning mugwort /artemisia herb on the tip of the needle or moxa stick for warmth and energy.
• Cupping: stimulating the energy flow, cups are placed on the skin which provide gentle suction at affected areas.
• Therapeutic Swedish massage

Lifestyle advice

Acupuncture assists the body in healing itself and it is likely that I will suggest ways in which you can enhance the long-term effects of your treatment. This may involve making changes to your diet and daily routine.

What to expect from your treatment at La Pagode

Before having acupuncture treatment there are several things that you should bear in mind:

• Many commonly used acupuncture points are located on the lower arms and legs, so it is helpful to wear clothing that allows easy access to these areas
• Try not to go for treatment on an empty stomach or straight after a heavy meal, a light snack is perfect.
• Do let me know if you are completely new to acupuncture so that I can take extra time to explain what happens and ensure that you are comfortable with the process.

Your first consultation

During your first visit which will last for around one hour and a half to two hours, I will need to gain a thorough understanding of your main complaint and your general health and lifestyle. This involves asking questions about your current symptoms and your medical history, as well as such things as your sleeping pattern, your appetite and digestion, and your emotional wellbeing. Women are also asked about their menstrual cycle and any past pregnancies and childbirth.

You might feel that some questions appear unrelated to your condition but the information you give helps to form a more complete picture of your health and lifestyle. I will also take your pulse on both wrists and I will examine your tongue and feel for areas of muscular tension or pain and palpate your abdomen. At this stage you will lay comfortably on the massage couch, covered with warm towels.

Your main health complaint

When talking about your main complaint, you will be asked to describe in your own words what the symptoms feel like and how severe they are. You may also be asked how long you have been having the symptoms, whether they are constant or intermittent and how frequent they are. You should mention any medication that you are taking and whether you have tried any other therapies.

In order to make a diagnosis according to traditional Chinese medicine theory and to find the right treatment approach, I may also want to know more specific details.

Treatment plan

Based on all the information you have given, I will make a diagnosis and put together your treatment plan, which may include lifestyle and dietary advice as well as acupuncture.

I will use very fine single-use pre-sterilised needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body and these fine needles will remain in situ for approximately 20 minutes.

Energy meridians range across the whole body, the points used are not necessarily close to where you experience pain or discomfort. For example, if you suffer from headaches, needles might be inserted into your foot or hand (a light switch on a far wall will illuminate a ceiling light above you).

To re-enforce a process of self-development and body awareness, patients are encouraged to listen to the requests and needs of their body and mind and to take responsibility for their own health. This is the only way to become independent from any type of medical care.

Treatment Fees

All appointments are by appointment only.

Concessions are available for children and OAP’s

Gift vouchers are available

Preferred times are 9.15 – 17.00 weekdays

Acupuncture:

First consultation and treatment (Allow 2hrs)   From £70

Subsequent treatments   From £55

A course of treatment for chronic conditions generally requires 8-10 sessions on a weekly basis.

A course of treatment for acute conditions generally requires 4-6 sessions. Some people are much better after only 1-2 treatments and the results will be monitored at each session.

La Pagode clinic is easily accessible with free on drive parking during the week and on road parking at weekends. There is also a bus stop 50 meters away on London Road. Alternatively please call me if you require a home visit as this can possibly be arranged.

Please note that the clinic does not have any credit/debit card facilities. Payment is by cash, cheque or via bank transfer please and a receipt will be given. It is requested that at least 24hrs notice of cancellation is given otherwise a treatment fee may be charged.

If you would like a free 15 minute telephone conversation as to whether acupuncture could help you then please don’t hesitate to call me on 07979 515169 and leave your contact details for me to call you straight back as soon as I am free.