Congratulations!
You have just taken the first step in taking control of your health and wellbeing. By choosing to undergo a course of treatment using Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, you will relieve and resolve your current health issues and improve your general physical, mental and emotional health also.
To aid in the healing process, this fact sheet will point out some of the things you need to keep in mind during the course of your treatment.
• Acupuncture is not a ‘magic cure’
While extremely effective in resolving many health issues, Acupuncture is no different to any other treatment method. A course of treatment needs to be completed for the desired results to be achieved and maintained. It is advised that you attend your treatments according to the frequency that has been set out for you.
• Follow the treatment plan
The treatment plan is designed for you individually, with the focus on resolving your particular complaint as effectively and efficiently as possible. Just as we make this commitment to you, you will make a commitment to yourself and do all that is required to aid in your healing process. If Chinese herbal medicines are prescribed, and/or dietary and lifestyle recommendations are advised, please follow these as they form part of your treatment and will greatly aid your healing
potential.
• Treatment review
At the end of your designated course of treatment, you will undergo a review to decide what is needed going forward. This will involve a short questionnaire/survey as well as discussion. It is vital that you are honest about how you have followed your treatment plan and how much benefit the treatment has provided. This will allow us to accurately determine what you require.
• Maintenance & follow-ups
Many health issues can be resolved using Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, never to return again. Some conditions may slowly return over a period of time after you have completed your course of treatment; this does not mean that the treatment has not worked. What may be required is short follow-up course, or infrequent maintenance sessions, designed to keep you in
balance and enjoying good health. If this occurs, please call us to discuss the options available to you.
• Unusual Reactions
It is not uncommon for patients to experience reactions to treatment such as feeling tired, headaches, and tender acupuncture points or bruising. These are the result of the changes your body undergoes in the process of healing. It is also not uncommon for herxheimer reactions to occur after taking herbal prescriptions; these are a signs of the release of toxicity.
• After Effects
Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment. You may feel a little tired or sleepy and should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use heavy machinery straight after your treatment. Others will find it quite energising. You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and ideally give yourself a little time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for several hours after treatment. Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. Cupping and Gua Sha can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Such bruising
is painless and generally clears within a day or two.
On rare occasions, ones original symptoms may briefly get worse or ‘flare-up’ after a treatment. A flare-up typically occurs later on the day of your treatment and should only last for a few hours. After a flare-up, your symptoms should begin to improve. In the long run, acupuncture does not make symptoms worse. In some conditions, the body must fully expel a pathogen in order for healing to occur. For
example, if you have a cold, acupuncture will not get rid of the cold, but it can help accelerate the cold cycle so your body recovers faster. If you are fatigued and beginning to get a cold, acupuncture can help your body fight it off. In cases of chronic pain, your original pain may improve and then unmask less obvious pain in the surrounding areas.
While many people will feel some change in their condition immediately or within the first 2-3 treatments, others with more serious or recalcitrant conditions will need many months of treatment before a significant change occurs. If you are not noticing any changes it does not mean that acupuncture is not helping you. Many times the changes are slow and somewhat
subtle as the entire body begins to rebalance from the condition.
In the most general terms possible, one month of treatment may be necessary for each year that a condition has been active. For example, if you have had sore back for the past 5 years you may need approximately 5 months of treatment before you will see a resolution. If you are experiencing acute back pain, you may receive immediate relief of the acute pain but may need
further treatments to account for the underlying factors which led to the acute flare-up.
As part of your overall treatment plan, your practitioner may also prescribe lifestyle and dietary changes to help you rebalance your body and mind.
• Cancellation Policy
While your commitment to each session is required, we are aware that situations do arise, resulting in you not being able to keep an appointment. This is ok, however, it is appreciated if at least 24 hours’ notice can be given. Please be considerate and notify us by email (hi@zhongcentre.com) if you are unable to attend. This will enable us to offer this time to another in need on the waiting list.
Please note – Cancellation within 24 hours of appointment time will result in an automatically generated charge of 100% of consultation fee.
Finally, we would like to thank you for choosing Zhong Centre. We are extremely passionate about Chinese Medicine, Cosmetic Acupuncture, and natural health. We are committed to improving your health and wellbeing and guiding you towards a better understanding of your overall wellness and the role that you play in maintaining this. By following these simple guidelines we are able to work together in making your health the best it can be.
Kind regards
The team at Zhong Centre