BEFORE TREATMENT

 

CHECK
LIST

1. Arrive neither stuffed nor starved. I recommend a light meal 1-3 hours before the appointment.

 

2. Wear comfortable, loose clothing so that arms and legs below elbows and knees can be easily accessed. You can also bring a blanket or big towel with you.


WHAT TO EXPECT

 

CHECK-IN

THE THERAPY CENTRE - READING

Upon arrival, ring the THERAPY buzzer. Maria will welcome you at the entrance. She will then walk with you to the treatment room.

 
 
THE HARLEY STREET FERTILITY CLINIC - LONDON

1. Upon arrival, ring the HSFC buzzer, 134 Harley Steet
2. Check-in at the reception.
3. Wait for the receptionist to call your name. She will then provide you with instructions on how to reach the treatment room 'WATSON' located at the ground floor.

For appointments scheduled after 4.45pm, please note that the check-in process differs. Instead of buzzing the HSFC buzzer and waiting at the reception, please contact me directly via text message upon arrival. I'll promptly provide access to the building. To minimize waiting time outside the building, I recommend arriving no more than 5 minutes prior to your appointment.


 

CONSULTATION

You will have a consultation to discuss your main complaints and review your health history.
The initial consultation includes questions, taking pulses, observing your tongue, and if relevant to the diagnosis the palpation of specific channels and points. Also, I will discuss a course of treatment, what to expect, and I will answer to any questions you might have.
Follow-up treaments: a review of how the previous treatment went, follows up on any topic not covered, and answers to any questions that may have come up.


 

TREATMENT

Once one the treatment couch, needles are generally placed on your arms and legs below the elbows and knees but they can also be placed elsewhere, such as head, ears, abdomen or back. All needles are sterile,non-toxic and single-use. The needle insertion is often painless. After the insertion you should feel a pinchy, dull ache, tingling sensation that is what in Chinese Medicine is called Qi. This is part of the treatment. I will try to make the treatment as comfortable as possible but some points and some patients can be more sensitive than others. If you are uncomfortable please let me know. After the needles are inserted, most patients enter a state of deep relaxation or they fall asleep.


 

POST-TREATMENT

After the needles are removed, take a moment getting up and putting on your clothes and shoes.

Many people report feeling relaxed after treatment.
You will be able to continue with all activities. Anyway avoid strenuous exercise, exhausting activities and alcohol for the next 24 hours after treatment.

 

FAQs

 
1What does it feel like?
It is difficult to describe the sensation felt as each one is different. The needle insertion is often painless. When the acupuncture point is reached most people experience a dull ache, tingling sensation or a feeling of warmth.
2How many treatments do I need?
Every patient responds to treatment differently so your results will depend on your particular situation. There are certain issues that can be addressed in two, three visits. Other cases might require more treatments. Anyway 5-6 sessions after the initial consultation are recommended to establish what acupuncture can do for you.
3How frequently should I come?
Initially I like to see people on a weekly basis. As symptoms begin to improve the interval between treatments is increased.
4Are the needles sterile?
Yes, I use sterile, no-toxic, CE approved, single use needles.
5Are there any side effects?
After the first treatment you could feel little light-headed or/and tired. This is a perfectly normal. Rarely a bruise can appear on the area where you have been needled.
6Do I have to tell my GP?
Acupuncture works well either alone or in conjuction with other therapies. If you are currently receiving treatment from your GP, it's recommended to tell your doctor you are going to have acupuncture. Continue taking your medication. Acupuncture may enable you to reduce some forms of medication, but always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription.
7How can I cancel or reschedule my treatment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please email me at: mariacupuncture@outlook.com There is a 36-hour cancellation policy, so appointments canceled within 36 hours of the scheduled treatment time will result in a fee.
8Will my health insurance company cover it?
That depends upon your insurer. This is why you should check your individual policy details or contact your provider for more information.
 
 
CONTACT ME

Schedule your appointment online or contact me.