Before or as part of the first visit, the Initial Consultation takes place lasting around 30 minutes. It involves an in depth interview on the history, health profile and current complaints of the patient. The first treatment lasts around 2 hours and it includes the Traditional Diagnosis, the physical examination and the first acupuncture treatment. I aim towards getting an overall picture of health in the shortest time possible. The questions cover most areas of life and aspects of body, mind and emotion. It is followed by a short physical examination including pulse taking, blood pressure and some palpation of the torso. Follow-up treatments are initially scheduled weekly, then depending on how the person is feeling and progressing, can be spaced out to once a fortnight and then once a month or longer, depending on what the patient feels is needed. The importance of good rapport between me and the patient is of utmost importance. It is my duty to remind my patients of the fact that we are collaborating in this healing process and that it is important that their lifestyle assists in the changes that will appear throughout the course of treatment.

Follow-up appointments last up to 60 minutes involving a feedback session and treatment. The number of treatments one requires depends on the severity and duration of the condition, the underlying health of the patient and their response. One should start to feel better immediately, but treatment has a cumulative effect. Typically, weekly treatments are advised to begin with, however, some conditions, like acute pain for example, would be better to treat 2-3 times a week. Once your overall energy levels have started to improve, the frequency of treatments can be reduced, either to maintain health, or prevent recurrence of symptoms. Acupuncture can work in synergy with Western medicine and having Acupuncture does not mean you need to stop any other medication or medical treatment you are having.