Ancient treatments in a modern world
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Allen Valleys Acupuncture is upstairs in Unit 6 of The Forge Studios in Allendale, Northumberland.
There is a lift if required to access my studio and toilets are available on the ground floor.
The building is shared with other businesses including a podiatrist, hairdresser, cafe and shop but these may not always be open at the same as your treatment.
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Initially I will take a detailed health history before deciding on an appropriate treatment. With your agreement this could include massage, cupping, gua sha or moxa as well as acupuncture treatment.
Like other forms of medicine usually more than one treatment is needed but this can be discussed in your initial consultation.
When coming for treatment if possible wear loose comfortable clothes which you can relax in allowing access to arms and legs although treatment can always be adapted. Clothing can be removed for certain treatments but your preferences, privacy and comfort will always be considered and discussed in your appointment. Some people can feel differently on different days so treatment methods can be adapted depending on your feelings at the time of each appointment. Towels, screening and blankets are available to keep you covered and comfortable.
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Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used in healthcare. When a needle is inserted the sensation (if any) is often one of warmth, tingling or a dull ache which often then subsides. If uncomfortable needles can be immediately removed. Needles will usually be left in place for around 20 mins during which time patients often feel relaxed.
Traditional Chinese medicine does include additional treatment methods so treatment options without needles can be discussed and are often preferred for children.
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Initial assessment appointments can take up to 90 mins but after that they are normally around 45mins- 1 hr. After checking on your progress and assessing your pulse and sometimes tongue the treatments commence and needles are left in place for around 20mins giving you time to relax and reset.
The number of treatments required will depend on individual assessment. Some conditions respond rapidly or almost instantly but just like western medicine often repeat treatments may be needed to achieve or maintain lasting effects.
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Often people feel very relaxed or possibly tired after treatment. Occasionally there may be slight bruising at some needle sites. After cupping or gua sha there are temporary marks left on skin but generally after treatment you can continue with your day.
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Members of the British Acupuncture Council are required to undergo stringent training and are bound by professional codes of conduct the same as nursing and healthcare staff.
Treatments may have to be adjusted with specific requirements during pregnancy or with some long term conditions but acupuncture is adaptable and safe when done by a qualified practitioner.
British acupuncture Council members are recognised by many health insurers .
Because I am a registered nurse with the NMC anyone who has had acupuncture with AVA can still donate blood through the National Blood service without the 4 month wait.
If you had any other questions or wanted to just talk about Acupuncture and Chinese medicine please contact me to discuss.
Information about acupuncture is also available on the British Acupuncture Council website https://acupuncture.org.uk/