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Bridgeways clinic blogChinese MedicineTreatable ConditionsAdvice For Your VisitOur Fees |
The Bridgeways clinic blog enables us to publish supplementary information about the background to our treatments or the conditions that we can treat. Chinese medicine involves several therapeutic methods. Acupuncture is one of these and herbs is another. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into the energy channels of the body. Herbs involve the ingestion of tinctures, powders and decoctions of plant materials. Both use the underlying theory of Chinese medicine to make a diagnosis and both are designed to rebalance energy and thereby restore health. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the term used by the Chinese to cover the synthesis of Chinese medicine created after the cultural revolution. Under Communism, the more spiritual aspects of Chinese medicine were not emphasised. A brief history of Chinese medicine is described on the Bridgeways clinic blog. Our range of treatments can help you with a wide cross-section of complaints and conditions. This is illustrated in the following indicative list, where the most appropriate treatment is also highlighted.
Preparation For Your Visit The duration of each treatment or class will vary but indicative times are given below. You will be treated in either a comfortable chair or lying on a couch. You are advised to wear suitable clothing, taking into account that the treatment may involve you having to remove items of clothing. It is advisable to avoid a large meal before any of our treatments or classes. Acupuncture Treatments The aim of an acupuncture treatment is to restore the harmony between the 2 aspects of Qi: Yin and Yang. Apart from its pain relieving and relaxing effects, an acupuncture treatment enables the body’s self-healing mechanism to work more effectively by restoring the balance of the energy system. Many people come with a specific symptom or condition but the effect of good acupuncture is to do more than simply alleviate symptoms. The treatment will focus on you the patient rather than the disease. Consequently, patients also feel better in a general way, for example more energy and vitality, improved appetite, greater confidence or better sleep. The aim of the diagnosis is to determine the nature of the disharmony in the body. By careful questioning and observation, the state of the meridians can be assessed. The benefits of any other Chinese medicine techniques will also be assessed. Questions you will be asked will include how your body is functioning, for example how well you sleep, your appetite, any digestive problems etc. Your wrist pulse will be taken and your tongue will be looked at. Pulse and tongue diagnosis are two special diagnostic techniques unique to oriental medicine. Your initial visit will last between 1½ and 2 hours during which time a comprehensive case history will be taken. Your treatment plan will be devised and the location of the points needed on your body will be confirmed. Acupuncture needles are so fine that there is often no discomfort when they are inserted, but a slight tingle, known as needle sensation, may be experienced. The needles are either withdrawn immediately or left in for up to 20 minutes, occasionally longer. During this time you may have a pleasant feeling of relaxation and there may be some heaviness of your limbs. Sometimes it is also beneficial to apply warmth to the point using a herb called moxa, or a mild electrical current. Subsequent visits will typically last about 45 minutes. Generally you will come weekly to begin with and as you improve you will come less frequently. Fees for our treatments are:
Fees for our classes are:
Refer a Friend for Acupuncture Do you have a friend, relative or colleague who you think could benefit from acupuncture? Simply tell them to mention that you have referred them when they come for their initial consultation and treatment and they will receive a £10 discount off their next acupuncture treatment. To show our appreciation, you will also receive £10 off your next acupuncture treatment. You can refer as many friends as you wish and you will keep receiving the discount. This discount offer only applies to acupuncture treatments and is not valid in conjuntion with any other offer.
Gift vouchers are available for all of our treatments.
Payments for treatments can be made currently with cash or cheques. Debit card, credit card and PayPal payments are being considered for the future. Cancellation Policy: A full 24-hours notice is required for a cancellation. We reserve the right to charge the full fee for a missed appointment or shorter notice of cancellation. |