Covid-19 secure environment
Covid-19 secure environment
Please read this information carefully before coming to your appointment
Before you come to your first appointment you will be asked to complete a checklist to confirm that you are safe to come back into clinic, also to answer a few questions to check that it is appropriate for you to have treatment. This will be through an emailed document in the first instance and then by text confirmation subsequently. Please fill in and sign the document and return via email.
On arrival all patients are asked to please use their own hand sanitiser before entering the building.
Please could all patients then wash their hands and dry with the paper towels provided. This can be done either in the toilet facilities or at the new portable sink in the clinic room. If you choose to use the communal toilets I would request that you take a dry paper towel to open the toilet door. This will help to keep the risk of transmission down to a minimum.
Only one patient will be in the building at any one time, there won’t be an area for waiting. Patients will be staggered 30 minutes apart allowing for additional cleaning.
During the consultation the clinic chairs will be spaced 2 metres apart at all times.
At this time the BAcC require all patients to wear a face mask throughout the entire consultation. I have a supply available at the cost of £1 each if you require. Or you may bring your own. I will be wearing a face shield during this part of the consultation. This is something that I hope will change over time.
Pulse and tongue diagnosis will now take place when the patient is on the treatment couch.
During treatment I will be wearing both a fluid resistant European standard type 11R medical mask in addition to the plastic face shield. You will need to keep you protective mask on throughout treatment. You will also be offered a face shield. The only exception to this will be if you have a back treatment.
Contact less card payment is preferred. No cash can be accepted at this time.
Please no bags or shopping in the clinic room.
You will be required to use hand sanitiser before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the initial treatment?
The first treatment will take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. A complete medical history will be taken. We will talk about factors in your life that may have contributed to your health condition. Specific information concerning your current health and symptoms experienced will be discussed. Your pulse and tongue will be examined. A prescription will be designed around this initial information. Your first appointment will include your first treatment. The needles will be left in place for approximately 20 minutes.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are few. However you may feel a little sleepy after treatment. Occasionally a small bruise can occur at the site of the needle. It is important to have something to eat before you come for treatment to avoid feeling faint.
Existing symptoms can get worse after treatment although this occurs with fewer than 3% of patients. You should tell your acupuncturist about this, but it is usually a good sign.
What happens at subsequent treatments?
Second and subsequent treatments will last approximately 1 hour. We will talk about how you are feeling since your last treatment and discuss any changes. Your pulse and tongue will be checked for any changes. Your prescription is then reviewed accordingly. Again needles will be left in for 20 minutes and you will be left to relax. Many people feel a deep sense of relaxation after treatment. These feelings can often lead to a reduction of stress and better sleep.
How many treatments will I need?
Everyone coming for treatment is different. If you have suffered with symptoms for a long time you may need long term treatment. I will talk with you about your expectations of acupuncture and discuss how it may help, although it must be stressed that acupuncture does not help everyone. We will discuss a treatment plan at the initial appointment and what you can expect.