Frequently asked questions
Before Treatment
What training has the practitioner had?
I have a BSc Hons Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (2014) and a Diploma level 3 in Complementary Therapies (2010).
I am a member of British Acupuncture Association, British Acupuncture Federation and the Complementary Therapists Association. Each year as part of the registration requirements I undertake many hours of Continued Professional Learning to ensure my skills are optimum. I attend regular courses in advanced and supplementary health techniques as well as additional training in Chinese Medicine therapies such as Tung Acupuncture, Auriculotherapy Tui Na and other types of Complementary Therapies.
When trying to find an Acupuncturist, it is always advisable to seek a practitioner who is registered with a regulatory body to ensure they are adequately qualified. Please be careful of visiting a practitioner who claims to be an Acupuncturist but has not trained at a recognised UK course/University or fully completed a doctorate level degree at a recognised university in China or other countries.
There are many types of Acupuncture and it is often offered by Doctors, Nurses, Midwives, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths etc. The difference between these types and a Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist is mostly down to knowledge and the amount of hours both studying and being clinically observed. please see the table below:
I have completed a thorough training of at least three years in traditional acupuncture and bio medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture. as a member of my regulatory body I maintain a high level of education, ethics, discipline and practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times.
Is Treatment safe?
There are very few side effects from Acupuncture or Massage Therapy when practised by a fully qualified, Licensed and Insured practitioner.
As with any treatment there may be some minor side effects such as:
- soreness or achiness of muscles
- minor bleeding or bruising
- changes to bowel or sleeping patterns
- dizziness or light-headedness
- tiredness
- nausea
- shock
- Rarely perforation of organs can occur
- stuck or bent needles can occur
- flu-like symptoms lasting less than 48 hours
Please let the practitioner know at consultation if you suffer from low blood pressure or are taking anticoagulants.
Can I take prescription medication at the same time?
Yes. Having acupuncture treatment does not mean that you stop taking medicine which has been prescribed to you by your GP. It always helps practitioners know which prescribed drugs you are taking and how long you have been taking them for, this will further help them in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Some patients visit acupuncturists because they want an alternative to taking prescription drugs and some because they would like to avoid some of the side effects which some drugs may produce. It is always advised that withdrawal or reduction in dosage of medication is discussed with your GP before making any decisions to do so.
If you have been prescribed medication, we recommend you tell your doctor that you plan to have Acupuncture. Do not stop taking your medication. You should tell your acupuncturist about any medication and supplements you are taking. Acupuncturists are trained to recognise potentially serious underlying health conditions and will refer you to your GP if they consider it appropriate.
Contra-Indications to Treatments? Are there reasons I can’t have treatment?
With all therapies there will be a few conditions which may limit or prevent treatments from going ahead these include:
- Blood Pressure – treatment may be limited if BP is too Low and Refused if too High for safety reasons.
- Thrombosis / Embolism –if you have a current thrombosis/DVT, a history of Haemorrhage or taking medication for this i.e. Warfarin. Treatment may be limited or refused.
- Epilepsy –No electrical stimulation treatment is allowed.
- Diabetes – treatment can alter the insulin levels so need to be aware and closely monitored. Limited in insulin dependent only.
- Severe bruising – treatment will be limited.
- Inflammation – treatment will be limited.
- Cuts & abrasions– treatment will be limited.
- Recent operations– treatment will be limited or may be refused especially if post-op is less than a month.
- Fractures & sprains– treatment will be limited.
- Infectious skin diseases – treatment will be refused for condition such as: impetigo, shingles, Herpes Simplex, Ringworm, Scabies, Conjunctivitis, MRSA, Warts, Verrucae’s.
- Skin Disorders – treatment will be limited and possibly refused with conditions such as: Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis, Acne Vulgaris, Vitiligo, Rosacea, Chloasma.
- Pregnancy – treatment will be refused in the first trimester of pregnancy and limited throughout the second two trimesters.
- Cancer – treatment will be limited.
Please inform the practitioner about any of these conditions at the time of booking.
If one treatment is refused it is possible that another is still viable. If unfortunately, no treatment is possible the reasons will be clearly explained to you and advice will be given. As with all treatments, there are limits to Complementary and Chinese Therapies; they are not the solution to every health care problem. Both Western and Oriental medicine have their respective strengths and weaknesses, which is why in modern China, the two systems are used together. Generally speaking, acute, life threatening conditions are best handled by Western medical doctors. Routine health problems and chronic conditions, for which drug therapy and surgery have not been effective, often benefit from Acupuncture / Oriental Medicine.
How long is a treatment?
Duration of treatment depends greatly on the type of treatment given this can range from 10 minutes to two hours.
Most massage-based therapies range between 30-60 minutes which includes a short Consultation and treatment. however can last upto 110 minutes depending on the treatment (full body treatments always take longer)
Acupuncture appointments are usually longer; the first session is approximately 90 minutes including a Full Consultation. Acupuncture follow-up appointments take 45-75 minutes. this has included time for you to feel relaxed and unhurried.
What are the costs?
Each treatment is individually priced based on type so please view the page for the treatment you are looking for. Accepted payment is cash or card. All payments are to be made at the end of each treatment.
No refunds will be given. Some treatments may not be suitable for all; this will be discussed at time of booking. Some treatments could be combined; for a lower price please discuss this with the therapist at booking.
Block Booking: All block booking has a 10% discount applied; all purchases of block treatments accept fulfilment of all appointments which can be used indefinitely regardless of outcomes.
Please note a 24 hour cancellation policy is in effect. Cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice incurs a 50% fee, unattended appointments with no notice incur a 100% fee.
Most health insurance policies cover the cost of treatments with registered acupuncturists. You should check with your insurer directly first. The practitioner will be happy to liaise with any insurance companies.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, we fully appreciate that there may be instances when you would prefer a chaperone to be present; if you consent to them being present during treatment and hearing your personal information; this is fine with the practitioner.
In addition, we can accommodate children in the studio if they are safe to be left unattended while you are being treated; please discuss this prior to treatment with the practitioner.
Should I do anything before or after treatment?
If possible, try not to drink coffee or have a large meal immediately before your treatment, as this may alter diagnosis. Smoking before treatment can also affect tongue diagnosis.
After the treatment some people may feel tired or drowsy, so having a short rest at home after treatments would be advisable.
What Clothes do I wear?
You will need to Wear loose fitting clothing to expose areas for treatment, such as shoulders, thighs, or knees, this would be necessary to treat these areas.
You will not be asked to take off any clothes unless it is to expose a small area for needling.
Most needles are inserted into points between the hands and elbows or feet and Knees. They may be inserted into Mid Thigh, you will be advised of this after Consultation.
With shoulder or back massage removal of upper clothing and loosening of waistband/belts would be required.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies according to the presenting complaint and duration of the disorder.
During the first consultation the practitioner will discuss the possible number of treatments required. A simple course of treatment is approximately six treatments; however, most people find some relief after the first one or two sessions.
Do you use animal products?
No. The products used within clinic are of plant origin. They are either leaves, bark, root or fruit which have been dried and are ready for use.
The bee’s wax or honey are the only animal product used in the herbs we use or recommend.
We do not use any other animal products or condone the use of animal products such as Tiger bone, Rhino Horn or Bear Bile
What if I want to make a complaint?
We provide a high quality professional service but if you are not happy with anything then please do let us know as customer satisfaction is extremely important to us.
If you wish to make a formal complaint, then contact us for the procedure.
Alternatively you may make a complaint to British Acupuncture Association or Complementary Therapists Association who oversee the practitioner and ensure they follow a strict code of conductHow is my data handled & processed?
Point’z of Interest Therapie’z Ltd is a company operating within Norfolk UK providing Holistic Therapies focusing mainly on Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. It is committed to conducting its business in accordance with all applicable Data Protection laws and regulations and in line with the highest standards of ethical conduct.
This policy sets forth the expected behaviours of Point’z of Interest Employees and Third Parties in relation to the collection, use, retention, transfer, disclosure and destruction of any Personal Data belonging to a Point’z of Interest Patient (i.e. the Data Subject).
What is personal data?
Personal data is any information (including opinions and intentions) which relates to an identified or Identifiable Natural Person. Anyone who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier, or one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
Personal Data is subject to certain legal safeguards and other regulations, which impose restrictions on how organisations may process Personal Data.
What data do we collect?
Name. Address. Contact Telephone Numbers, Emergency Contact Number. Doctors name and surgery. Full Medical History. Lifestyle Details. Full Treatment details and Outcomes. Practitioner Opinions and Intentions for future treatments. consultation forms, informed consent forms, treatment records
Where do we store the data?
Written paper documents: stored in clinic – No electronically stored notes.
contact phone numbers: stored securely on practitioner phone via password protection. This is not uploaded to the cloud. In case of unauthorised access, all data stored such as contacts are erased.
How do we protect and document the data we have?
Documentation: stored in secure locked fire proof filing cabinet ascessible via key by authorised personnel only.
Phone: stored under reference numbers and password protected.
In the process of safeguarding Personal Data all information is kept safe from unauthorised or unlawful disclosure, access, alteration, Processing, transfer or destruction.
All data wherever possible is kept Anonymised Data amended in such a way that no individuals can be identified from the data (whether directly or indirectly) by any means or by any person.
Do we have a function/ reason for every piece of data we collect?
We collect personal and medical data on each patient/client and use this data to provide the highest level of care and efficient treatment.
Name and contact details are stored to contact the patient if the appointment needs to be changed. Medical and lifestyle history details are collected to enable the treatment to proceed safely and effectively. Date of birth is established to provide age appropriate treatment. Emergency contact details are collected as is the information on doctors practice in the event that the patient requires emergency assistance a notifiable person can be appointed.
The processing of this data is used to monitor the condition and health of individuals and take decisions about their current and future treatment and their expected outcomes to be able to advise them on improving their conditions further. This is done by the qualified authorised personnel only.
Your data will not be passed on to a third party or used in advertising or promotional uses without formal written expressed consent on a separate form.
What is the process if someone asks to have a copy of their records or be removed?
Upon request of copy of records a full unedited copy of all records will be produced in writing within one month of the request at no cost to the requester. Only the person the data is about may recieve a copy unless the requester has legal guardianship over the data person. To be removed from records this request must be provided in writing and then any records of that patient will be destroyed.
How is consent collected?
Consent is any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the Data Subject’s wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the Processing of Personal Data relating to him or her.
Informed written consent is collected to allow treatment to proceed. Without which NO treatment can take place. When the patient is under the age of consent (16) a parent or guardian may provide consent and must be present throught the entire treatment. At any time the patient may withdraw their consent. In which case the treatment will be stopped and will not continue. The data of the treatment however will be stored under the earlier section.
Written consent is also received to allow the practitioner to have contact with their GP or medical insurance company with regards to their health or treatment. This is an opt-in system and not providing consent will not affect their current or future treatment.
For advertising or promotional uses a separate form is provided to gain consent.
During Treatment
What is asked at the Consultation?
The consultation is a medical and lifestyle history form.
it includes questions about:
- contact information
- main complaint and nature of it
- personal medical history
- family medical history
- medications taken
- mood and emotions
- energy / stress levels
- sleeping patterns
- bowel habits
- urinary habits
- diet and fluid intake
- day-to-day activities and hobbies
- menstrual and gyneacological history
- tongue diagnosis
- pulse diagnosis
- consent to treatment and contact with doctors.
The practitioner will go through this form with you and use it to determine your Chinese Medical Diagnosis along with using other diagnostic tools such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. These findings will then be discussed with you afterwards to create an individual treatment plan. For more details click here
Will treatment hurt?
With any therapy the response can and does vary person to person. Most patients would say “relaxing.”
Usually patients leave in less discomfort and are more functional than when they walk in. Sometimes the effects are too subtle to perceive, especially in the beginning of the treatment.
Most people who have had Acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair.
The sensations that are experienced through a treatment range from nothing at all, to a mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed.
In chronic ailments that have been there years, response to treatment is slower than acute conditions
Massage has a combination of flowing strokes, kneading work and pressure strokes that are gradually increased in depth, frequency or speed. This should be relaxing and a pleasant sensation. There may be some achiness or heaviness but again this should feel like a ‘good ache’
Please tell the practitioner immediately if you feel too much discomfort or the pressure is too deep, so that this can be altered. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting, and the patient is relaxing.
After treatment
Can I give blood after treatment?
No, currently there must be a four-month gap between your last acupuncture treatment and the date of giving blood. You would also have to disclose the reason for needling Acupuncture to them.
What AfterCare advice can you give me?
General aftercare to gain the best from your treatment:
- avoid any strenuous activity, exercise or undertaking long drives as your body needs Rest & Relaxation.
- Avoid or cut down coffee, caffeinated products, smoking, vaping, alcohol or recreational drugs to enhance the treatments effects.
- Drink plenty of water / herbal & fruit teas to help the body eliminate toxins.
- Eat a light diet of fresh, natural foods balancing fruit, vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates to aid the detoxification process.
- Reduce dairy products (cheese, cream & milk) fried greasy foods as they increase damp in the body
- Avoid having other body treatments for 48 hours after treatment to prevent interactions.
- Do breathing exercises, meditation, or stress management strategies to aid the body in relaxation.
- Where oils have been used, please leave these on the skin as long as possible to allow full absorption and benefit.
- For 48 hours following treatment with oils avoid, sauna’s, sun beds, tanning lotions and sunbathing.
- Follow any specific aftercare advice given following the treatment.
Data Protection
How long do we plan to keep the data for?
All data will be stored for seven years from the last appointment.
COVID-19
WHAT ARE THE NEW COVID PROTOCOLS
We are committed to providing a safe environment for patients and practitioners, while also providing the same quality of service as we were previously.