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How
dose the Chinese Medicine practitioner diagnose?
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Diagnosis
is based on close examination of patient's
tongue, pulse and olfaction, as well
as palpation and auscultation. Careful
questioning is also utilised to explore
the signs and symptoms of diseases.
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Does
an Acupuncture treatment hurt?
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This
is the most common question asked about
acupuncture because many people associate
needles with pain. Acupuncture needles
are about the thickness of a dog¡¯s whisker,
so they are virtually painless when
inserted. After insertion, the practitioner
will bring the needle to the appropriate
depth. You will then usually feel a
very unique sensation that can vary
from tingling, to heaviness, to warmth,
or nothing at all. Each person¡¯s experience
is different. Should you experience
any discomfort, inform the practitioner,
and they will adjust the needles accordingly.
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Where
do the needles go during the acupuncture
treatment?
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This
depends on the condition being treated.
Although the acupoints are located throughout
the entire body, usually the needles
are placed on the extremities from your
elbows down to your hands, and from
your knees down to your feet. Other
common areas include the abdomen, back,
and ears. back
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Are
the needles sterile or are they reused?
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Needles
are individually wrapped and sterilized
by the manufacturer. They are opened
only when they are ready to be used,
and afterwards, each needle is disposed
of in a medical waste container.
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How
can I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
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It
is best to eat a light meal before your
appointment so that your body has energy
to work with. Sometimes a person who
has not eaten will feel lightheaded
or weak when receiving an acupuncture
treatment. In this case, inform your
practitioner immediately and they will
take the appropriate actions. It is
best to wear shorts or loose clothing
so that the arms and legs below the
elbows and knees, as well as the abdomen,
are accessible. Do not engage in strenuous
activity, drink alcohol, smoke excessively,
or ingest heavy meals before or after
your treatment. This will allow the
body to adjust to the effects of the
acupuncture. back
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How long
does an acupuncture treatment last?
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Most
acupuncture treatments last 30-45 minutes.
The experience is usually very relaxing
and you may feel a heavy sensation in
your limbs. back
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How
many acupuncture sessions will I need?
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This
depends on each individual. Responses
to treatment do vary considerably from
person to person and will depend on
the nature of the condition being treated.
Many people with acute conditions experience
a real improvement in symptoms almost
immediately. For people with longer
term and more complex cases, change
can be more subtle and usually require
more treatments over a longer period
of time. back
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How
often will I need acupuncture treatment?
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Initially
most patients attend for acupuncture
on a weekly basis for the first few
treatments. As symptoms improve so the
interval between treatments is extended.
Most people notice some improvement
after just a few treatments. Progress
and frequency of appointments are reviewed
regularly. back
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Can
I receive Acupuncture if I am pregnant?
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Yes.
Acupuncture is safe for pregnant women,
However, it
is important to inform your practitioner
if you are pregnant or planning on becoming
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Should
I tell my doctor I'm having acupuncture?
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If
you are receiving treatment from your doctor
then it can be helpful to let them know about
any acupuncture treatment you plan to have.
Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as being
an effective complementary therapy alongside
conventional medical treatment and an excellent
treatment option for a whole range of
conditions. You should also give your
acupuncturist details of any medication you are
taking. back
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Are Chinese
Herbs safe?
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Yes.
Our practitioner is highly qualified and
experienced. Adverse reactions to Chinese herbs
are extremely rare and are negligible when
compared to those commonly produced by
pharmaceutical drugs. Our products come from RCHM
& ATCM approved suppliers. The quality and
safety are guaranteed. back
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What
is the difference between Chinese patent
and prescribed herbs?
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Chinese
Patent herbs are premixed herb combinations
according to the traditional formulas
developed by experts in traditional
Chinese medicine through over 3000 years.
They are similar to over-the-counter-drugs
and usually in the form of pill, capsule
and liquid. The advantages of Chinese
patent herbs are convenient, ease to
take, less expensive. However, patient's
symptoms must fit the patent herb's
narrow indications.
Prescribed
herbs are mixed by a herbalist according
to an individual patient's symptoms
and diagnoses. In general speaking,
prescribed herbs are more effective
than patent herbs because the prescribed
herbs are tailored to your symptoms
and conditions exclusively by your herbalist
if he or she is very good at traditional
Chinese medicine. back
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How
long does it take for the herbs to work?
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For
most chronic conditions you will notice
results within one to two months. Relief
for acute conditions can be more immediate.
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Should
I stop taking my medicine when I use
Chinese herbs or acupuncture?
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No.
You should never discontinue medication
prescribed by your doctors without their
permission. Both acupuncture and Chinese
herbs work very well with most western
medicines. Be sure that your practitioner
knows you are taking pharmaceutical
drugs, and let your doctors know that
you are using Chinese herbs or receiving
acupuncture. back
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