Acupuncture with Alice
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a safe, effective system of healthcare that has been developed, refined and researched for more than 2,000 years.
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the person is viewed holistically. The mind and body are considered as one, situated within the wider environments of our lifestyle, the seasons and the natural world.
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This perspective allows for an individualised approach to the treatment of both the symptoms and the root causes of ill health.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is considered suitable and safe for all ages and can be beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of health problems, including:
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What will my treatment be like?
I advise having some food and drink at some point in the day before your treatment. This is to keep you comfortable during the treatment. Please arrive at Alice Cousens Acupuncture a few minutes before your appointment and take a seat in the waiting area; I’ll come out to meet you.
During your first session I’ll do an in-depth consultation, discussing both your presenting issues and your health as a whole to get a full picture and make an assessment. I may take your pulse and look at your tongue.
We’ll discuss your treatment goals and how acupuncture can work alongside changes you can make in the direction of these goals.
If you’re happy to go ahead we’ll then proceed with your acupuncture treatment.
It’s helpful to wear loose fitting clothing so you can roll up clothes to the knees and elbows.
If you need to undress further, I’ll leave the room and give you time to get ready and you’ll be covered with towels for privacy.
The treatment consists of the insertion of very fine, single use, sterile surgical steel needles at specific points on the body. It is generally not painful although it is may not be pain free.
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Treatments at my acupuncture clinic in Haverfordwest are between 50 minutes to 1 hour long.
After the treatment is complete we will discuss a treatment plan that suits you, tailored to your clinical needs.
Afterwards you can go about your day as normal although I advise taking it gently in order to maximise the treatment effects. Some patients feel more tired, in this case take a rest or sleep if you can.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
The overall number of treatments varies greatly between patients. Typically patients will need treatment more frequently at the beginning. Then as things improves, treatments can become slightly less frequent.
Acute issues like a strained bad back may require two or three treatments per week for 2 – 3 weeks to resolve. Whereas longstanding chronic problems normally, but not always, need a longer course of weekly treatments.
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Acupuncture works cumulatively and the best results are seen from a course of regular treatments.
For general health and wellbeing an initial course of a few treatments followed by top-up treatments every month or so can be very effective to support good health.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is not truly painless, but it is nearly painless. I use ultrafine sterile needles, approximately the width of a human hair.
Many patients feel no pain at all, and once the needles are inserted you can relax without any pain. Most patients forget where the needles are!
How will I feel afterwards?
Patients often feel very relaxed after treatment, while others feel energised and focused.
Some patients feel tired, and if possible, it is a good idea to take it easy after a treatment. But you should be fine to go about your day as normal.
Is acupuncture safe for children?
Acupuncture is considered safe for children. Young people’s Qi is very dynamic, and they can often respond well to acupuncture treatment.
When treating children very few needles are used, and the needles are left in for between 5 and 15 minutes only.
Under-18s must be accompanied by a guardian during their treatment at Alice Cousens Acupuncture Clinic in Haverfordwest.
Ready to book?
If you're ready to book, or if you want to chat with me about any questions you have, please contact me
