What is TCM?

TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a medical system that originated in China thousands of years ago. TCM uses a completely different approach to conventional medicine, where an individual illness is not considered separate from the patient, but rather looks at the illness within the context of the person as a whole, which must be understood to form a diagnosis and treatment. The two most prominent TCM treatment methodologies are acupuncture and herbal medicine, however it also encompasses Tai Chi and Qi Gong (meditative mind-body practices), Tui Na (massage), cupping, and moxibustion.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical treatment whereby very fine needles are inserted into the body at carefully selected points. Acupuncture is thousands of years old, and traditionally has been viewed as a method of moving and balancing Qi (pronounced “Chee”, often translated as ‘vital energy’) within the body. How acupuncture works according to modern scientific understanding is still being studied, however research suggests that acupuncture works by stimulating the neurological and endocrine systems of the body, which amongst other things can increase blood-flow to specific areas and induce an anti-inflammatory response.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes, when carried out by a well trained and certified practitioner acupuncture is considered to be very safe. Here in Réiteach Integrative Health, only sterile single-use needles are used. There are cases however where additional precautions are necessary – for example, while acupuncture can be an excellent way to treat several pregnancy related issues, there are certain acupuncture points that are not used during pregnancy. Electroacupuncture is generally avoided for patients with a pacemaker, and additional precautions may be needed for patients with a bleeding disorder. It is completely normal that a drop of blood may appear once the needle is removed, or for the point to bruise slightly after.

Is acupuncture suitable for children?

Yes, acupuncture is considered to be a low-risk therapy for children and it can be wonderfully effective; however a number of factors must be taken into consideration. Very young children often find it difficult to remain still for extended periods of time or may find needles frightening at first, in which case acupuncture may not be suitable. All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Are acupuncture and dry needling the same?

No, they are not. Dry needling courses are typically done over 1-3 days (normally by physiotherapists), whereas acupuncture training takes a number of years. With dry needling, needles are typically inserted into the location of a pain or injury to stimulate a trigger point. While this may also be done during an acupuncture treatment, needles are also used at selected points throughout the body to treat the underlying cause of the problem according to a TCM diagnosis. For example, you may receive needles in your hand to treat headache. This requires a thorough understanding of TCM theory, from extensive study and practice. Another difference between the two, is that dry needling is typically done for musculoskeletal/neuromuscular pain and stiffness, and while acupuncture does treat these, it is also used to treat a wide range of other illnesses that are unrelated to muscular pain or stiffness.

Does acupuncture hurt?

The needles are very fine, and sometimes can be hard to feel at all when being inserted. Often however, the needles will create a response in your body which can be described in various ways as an electrical pulse, a pulling/heavy sensation, or a sensation that runs along part of your body. This is completely normal. Some people will feel this response more strongly than others, and may find them uncomfortable at first, but it normally dissipates quickly. It is common for patients to feel quite relaxed once the needles are all in.

What is traditional Chinese herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is the use of plants for medicinal purposes. Evidence of humans using herbal medicine approximately 50,000 years ago has been proposed by archaeologists, and most ancient civilizations used plants medicinally, including in ancient China. Much of this ancient knowledge has survived and been continuously developed into a sophisticated system of diagnosis and treatment that is used today. When treating patients, we choose the most effective and safe plant-based herbs from the thousands that have been documented.

Is traditional Chinese herbal medicine safe?

Yes, it is; when the herbal medicine is produced and used correctly. These herbs can have a powerful effect on the body, which is why they are so highly valued by practitioners, but this also means that they must be treated with due care. Just like conventional medicine, there is a risk of side-effects with herbal medicine, however this should be rare. One concern that relates to traditional herbal medicines is the lack of regulation, which can increase the risk of contamination or accuracy of the labelling. Réiteach Integrative Health uses herbs from Phoenix Medical, a UK based company, who screen every batch of herbs for heavy metals, pesticides, microbial contaminants, and test active ingredient levels. Their manufacturers’ labs have certified CNAS status (which follows ISO standard 17025). These herbs are vegan (except for those explicitly stated as processed with honey) and are not sulphur treated. There are some individuals who must take additional precautions with herbal medicine, as with any medication; this includes those who are already taking medication that may interact with the herbal medicine, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with chronic disease (such as liver or kidney disease).

How much does treatment cost?

Check out our pricing here.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on many factors, such as the condition being treated and its severity. For acupuncture, typically 6-8 treatments are to be expected. Some acute issues may respond more quickly, whereas chronic illness may require more treatment to resolve. If taking herbal medicine, alone or in conjunction with acupuncture, then fewer visits are normally required.

How long does a treatment take?

An initial consultation requires about 90 minutes to allow time for a comprehensive diagnosis to be performed. Follow up treatments will require up to 60 minutes.

What should I wear for the treatment?

For acupuncture treatment, access to the arms and legs are likely to be needed. It is best to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes. Shorts are preferrable to trousers, however if wearing trousers please ensure that they can be rolled up past the knee without difficulty and without squeezing tightly on the leg.

If you are interested in receiving herbal medicine only then this advice does not apply.

What should I do/not do before treatment?

It is best to eat something light about 1 hour before your appointment, but avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours of your appointment. Do not eat or drink anything that would alter the colour of your tongue. If you normally brush your tongue, please avoid doing this for at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. Avoid alcohol or drugs in advance of your appointment, aside from medication prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider.

Are TCM treatments covered by health insurance?

We are recognised by all of the major health insurance companies for acupuncture treatment, but insurers generally do not cover herbal medicine in most cases. Always check with your insurer to confirm your coverage.