The initial consultation may take between 1.5 and 2 hours, as it is important for your acupuncturist to gain a full and accurate view of you and your holistic health. You will be asked a wide array of questions ranging from your current symptoms, your medical and family history, to your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.

Additional diagnostic tools include pulse taking on both wrists and looking at the tongue; gentle abdominal palpation may also be required dependant upon your symptoms. Subsequent treatments last usually around 1 hour.

Ultra fine needles are inserted into acupuncture points specifically prescribed for the individual patient. Points may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced; this is due to the extensive network of channels through which energy flows around the body.

Upon insertion of the needle, your acupuncturist will be looking for you to feel a sensation the Chinese call Deqi; this is the needle connecting with the energy, sometimes described as a tingling or dull ache.

Frequency and length of treatment will vary from patient to patient. Some change is usually felt after 5 or 6 sessions, although occasionally only one or two treatments are required. Some patients may eventually reach a level of health where they choose to have less frequent but regular 'top ups' in order to maintain this more balanced state.

With diagnosis aimed at treating the whole person, unexpected benefits may be experienced; increased wellbeing, improved sleep and renewed energy levels are commonly reported. These may be the first changes a patient notices, with an improvement in the main complaint following soon after.