During treatment Bryony will carry out a pre-treatment questionnaire, to establish details about the complaint as well as record relevant medical history and medication information.  A single treatment session will last roughly 55 minutes and will include consultation and treatment.  Treatment will almost always include Acupuncture; however, a combination of the listed therapeutic techniques may be used.  All of this will be discussed and agreed during the consultation.  Ongoing communication with me throughout treatment is vital so that we can ensure you leave the treatments feeling as comfortable as possible.

Process of Acupuncture - A typical treatment will include palpation of the affected area if the complaint is related to musculoskeletal injury, although this is not always necessary. The practitioner may then ask you to remove certain items of clothing if the treatment area is not already accessible. The practitioner will leave the room whilst you do this for privacy and offer a blanket or other item for comfort. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine single-use needles at precise points over the body, usually located on feet, hands, arms, legs and back. The practitioner will give you an idea of where these points are before she starts treatment. The needles will remain in place for roughly 15-20 minutes, but this may be longer or shorter. After this all needles will be removed, and the treatment will be reviewed together.

Potential risks/side-effects - As with any form of treatment there are potential risks and side effects, many of these are short-lasting and very mild. More severe effects are extremely rare.

• Acupuncture – fatigue/tiredness, dizziness, light-headedness, itching, aching/stiffness/tenderness, bruising or light bleeding, nausea, headache, pneumothorax (rare).

• Cupping – redness/mottled colouration of the skin, red circular marks may be left if the cups are left on for prolonged periods of time (this will fade with time), stiffness/tenderness or mild discomfort during/after treatment.

• Moxibustion – redness, warmth which remains after the treatment, itchiness, blistering (rare).

• Massage – tenderness or discomfort, aching/stiffness, reddening of skin or bruising, fatigue, injury to the treatment area (rare).

Contraindications - Acupuncture is contraindicated for those who use a pacemaker, have an infectious skin disorder, have a bleeding disorder e.g. haemophilia/taking anticoagulant medication or individuals with a metal allergy. Certain acupuncture points are contraindicated during pregnancy, treatment will exclude these points. Treatment will not be carried out on any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs. GP consultation will be required where treatment is requested by a prospective client, but treatment is contraindicated or with a notifiable pre-existing condition.

Aftercare advice – We recommend drinking plenty of water after treatment, as well as resting and avoiding strenuous physical activity. Any tenderness or stiffness that you feel is quite normal when muscles and tissues have been worked. This may last a few days but will ease with time, rest and gentle movement.