Frequently Asked Questions
First Time Experience? Don't know what to expect? Scroll down for more details
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM?
Traditional Chinese medicine is a style of traditional medicine built on a foundation of more than 2,500 years of Chinese medical practice that includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy. Transitional Chinese Medicine focuses on the harmony between human and nature . It forges its theoretical framework and forms unique diagnosis and treatment methodologies based on ancient philosophical concepts.
What is Acupuncture and Cupping?
Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes.
Cupping therapy involves creating a small area of low air pressure over prescribed acupuncture points using glass cups. Cupping can effectively relieve muscle tightness and improve blood circulation. Cupping is often applied along with acupuncture treatment for some conditions.
Cupping therapy involves creating a small area of low air pressure over prescribed acupuncture points using glass cups. Cupping can effectively relieve muscle tightness and improve blood circulation. Cupping is often applied along with acupuncture treatment for some conditions.
How does Acupuncture work?
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Traditional Acupuncture is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called "Qi", that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of Qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins.
Acupuncture points are found on the external aspects and at very specific locations along these meridians. These points, mapped and documented for thousands of years by the Chinese and Asian societies. Needles inserted in these points influence the Qi that flows to internal organs that have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. |
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Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is safe and has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Any that do occur are mild and self-correcting. Occasionally there may be minor bruising at the needle point or a short-term flare-up of your symptoms as your qi clears and resettles.. We use ultra thin, sterile, single use stainless steel needles, and they are disposed of after each treatment. At Ming Chen Clinics, acupuncture and other treatment is carried out by fully qualified and experienced doctors who have rich knowledge and degrees in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine.
Acupuncture is recongnised by NHS and is widely practised in many NHS general practices, as well as the private clinics in the UK.
Acupuncture is recongnised by NHS and is widely practised in many NHS general practices, as well as the private clinics in the UK.
What does acupuncture needles look like?
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We use ultra thin stainless (surgical) steel needles. The typical acupuncture needle measures .18 to .30 millimeters in diameter, and 13 to 75 millimeters in length.
This diameter is similar to fine thin hair. Acupuncture needles, unlike hypodermic needles, are neither hollow nor rigid, and the tip is shaped to increase the patient's comfort during insertion. In order to prevent the transmission of diseases, we use only disposable needles, which are used only once on patients and then discarded. |
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Will acupuncture work for babies, children and teenagers?
Yes. Children and adolescents usually respond very well to acupuncture.
Please note child under the age of 16 needs to be accompanied by a person who has parental rights and responsibilities in respect of that child and who has also given their consent in writing.
Please note child under the age of 16 needs to be accompanied by a person who has parental rights and responsibilities in respect of that child and who has also given their consent in writing.
What conditions can acupuncture help?
How many treatments do I need?
That depends on your individual condition. Your condition and reaction to treatment will determine how often you will need to be seen by the doctor.. Generally, we recommend clients visit us on weekly basis for most conditions. For acute conditions, it may be necessary to come twice a week for the first two to three weeks, until symptoms are contained. As the condition improves, visits are spaced farther apart: every two, and later three weeks or monthly.
You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve.
Traditional acupuncture is also very effective when used as preventive healthcare and many people like to go for a 'retuning' session at the change of each season throughout the year.
You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve.
Traditional acupuncture is also very effective when used as preventive healthcare and many people like to go for a 'retuning' session at the change of each season throughout the year.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of acupuncture treatment?
That depends upon your insurer. As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for traditional acupuncture. At Ming Chen Clinics, we have helped great number of clients successfully claiming their health insurance. Please contact us if you need assistance.
Do I Have To Believe In Acupuncture For It To Work?
No. Acupuncture's theoretical models are not based on faith. Acupuncture works effectively on horses, dogs, babies, and people in comas. Its validity arises from empirical observation, and the effectiveness of acupuncture is the result of its application by skillful practitioners. It is always beneficial to have confidence in your practitioner, but faith is not a requirement.
Things you need to know about the treatment
Before the Treatment |
During the Treatment |
After Treatment |
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Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse, and you may need to lie on your stomach. You should also avoid alcohol and food or drink that colours your tongue such as coffee or strong tea. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible.
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The length of the treatment may varies. Typically, it lasts around 60 minutes while initial appointment may be slightly longer.
Free consultation is included prior to the treatment. Doctors will assess your general health. It is also important to gather detailed information about your medical history and that of your family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The purpose is to identify what needs to be addressed in order to target your specific complaint, and to boost your overall vitality. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing and painless. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. This is one of the signs the body's qi, or vital energy, has been stimulated. |
You are likely to feel relaxed and calm. If the treatment has been particularly strong you may feel tired or drowsy and it is worth bearing this in mind if you plan to drive or use any other machinery soon afterwards.
For most conditions, a series of several sessions is necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. After an initial consultation, the acupuncturist should provide you with a treatment plan that includes the techniques to be used, as well as the frequency and duration of treatment. |