ABOUT TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

• How can Traditional Chinese Medicine help me?
• What can Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture treat?
• Are there any side effects of taking Chinese herbs?
• Is it safe to take Chinese herbs with my other medications?
• Are animal products used in your Chinese medicine?
• How should I consume Chinese herbs?
• How long will it take for them to work?

How can Traditional Chinese Medicine help me?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a natural and more holistic approach to treating ailments and health issues. Rather than turning immediately to Western medicine, Chinese medicine looks to treat the root cause of the illness rather than just offering a prescription.

Herbal therapy is one of the foundational therapies of traditional Chinese medicine. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain.

What can Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems.

Eden Clinic can help you with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Skin: eczema, herpes, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections, hair loss, etc.
• Addictions to alcohol, drugs, smoking
• Mental health: stress, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Internal: cold and flu, dizziness, headache, migraine, nausea, gastritis, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, swelling, colon inflammation (colitis), incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, constipation, heart problems, high blood pressure, etc.
• Muscles & Skeleton: back pain, arthritis, stiff neck, sciatica, lumbago, joint problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, sprains, lower back pain, etc.
• Neurologic Disorders: M.E. pain, trigeminal neuralgia, headache, hiccup, insomnia, paralysis, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.
• Male sexually related disorders: impotence, premature ejaculation, prostate
• Reproductive issues: infertility, pelvic pain, Menstrual irregularities, morning sickness, PMS and menopause symptoms, etc.
• Weight loss

Are there any side effects of taking Chinese herbs?

It is very rare for our patients to experience side effects from herbal prescriptions. These herbs have been in use for thousands of years and treated large populations of people. We only recommend and use the highest quality medicine in our practice and we will explain to you precisely how to take them. Occasionally, you may notice mild stomach upset as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Is it safe to take Chinese herbs with my other medications?

Absolutely. Before providing you with any herbs, we will sit down and review your list of medications during your consultation to ensure there will be no negative herb-drug interactions.

Are animal products used in your Chinese medicine?

In Europe and the UK, it is illegal to use animal parts in Chinese medicine. All of our products are plant-based formulas and come from reputable suppliers.

How should I consume Chinese herbs?

There are some herbs we will want you to take at a specific time or as part of a specific plan, so it’s best that we discuss this with you in person. However, typically we recommend you take Chinese herbs on an empty stomach, about thirty minutes before a meal or 1-2 hours after to improve absorption in the body. In the rare event that your stomach is bothered when doing this, you can take the supplements with a small amount of food or even with a cup of almond or coconut milk.

How long will it take for them to work?

Again, this is dependent on the medication as well as our treatment plan, but you will typically see the herbs working within the first 3-5 days.

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ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE

• How does acupuncture work?
• Does acupuncture hurt?
• Do you reuse needles?
• What happens on my first visit?
• What happens during my consultation and how do I receive treatment?
• How long will my first consultation and acupuncture treatment take?
• Is an appointment always necessary?
• How should I prepare for my first acupuncture treatment?
• What should I wear to an acupuncture treatment?
• What should I do after my first acupuncture treatment?
• How many sessions should I have?
• Will my health insurance cover the cost of acupuncture?

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture helps balance the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body.

The concept of qi is at the heart of Chinese medicine. Qi is the life force and energy within you and all around you. This is reflected in physics which recognises everything is energy or matter. Qi is integral to life, growth, change and wellness.

The human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. If Qi gets blocked, it shows up as an imbalance or illness, which needs to be fixed. By inserting needles into specific points on your body along these meridians, we improve your Qi flow and rebalance your body, leading to improved health.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Not at all! Acupuncture needles are so fine that most of our patients barely even notice them going in and feel little to no pain when they are inserted. Rather, many will find it relaxing and therapeutic. You may feel a tingling or a dull ache when the needles are inserted but you should not experience any significant pain. 

Do you reuse needles?

Absolutely not. All needles are sterile, surgical grade stainless steel and single-use-only.

What happens on my first visit?

Your first visit is for a free diagnostic consultation and if you have made an appointment for acupuncture, your first treatment will be included.

What happens during my consultation and how do I receive treatment?

Our experienced team will use this time to sit down with you, discuss your concerns, and understand your present and past medical conditions and lifestyle. You may also be asked to show your tongue or have your pulse taken.

From there, we will recommend a course of treatments to heal the problem according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

How long will my first consultation and acupuncture treatment take?

If time and space permit, we will do both your consultation and the first treatment on the same day. You should typically expect our first appointment with a consultation to take approximately 2-3 hours.

Is an appointment always necessary?

Walk-ins are welcome but our practice can get extremely busy! It’s always best to book an appointment so we can ensure we have plenty of time to see and treat you.

How should I prepare for my first acupuncture treatment?

First and foremost, plan your day accordingly so you are not rushing to the appointment or engaging in stressful activities beforehand. Avoid overbooking yourself on the day of your appointment, as you want to be relaxed during the actual acupuncture treatment.

It is useful to bring a list of medications and supplements you are currently taking. We recommend you eat something light and avoid caffeine before your treatment so you are nice and comfortable.

What should I wear to an acupuncture treatment?

• It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing along with shoes that are easy to remove. You will lie on the treatment couch for up to 60 minutes, so it’s important to wear clothing that will be comfortable during this time.
• If you are seeking treatment for a physical injury or ailment, please wear something that will allow the problem area to be examined easily.
• You may be asked to remove your clothes (underwear remains) and will be barefoot during the treatment.
• It is best for women to avoid wearing sports bras.
• We may use a heat lamp which can make you feel a bit warm.
• All treatment rooms are semi-private, with privacy curtains separating patients. Large towels will be used to provide appropriate draping and coverage at all times. Rest assured we will do everything to make you feel comfortable.

What should I do after my first acupuncture treatment?

After your treatment, you will likely feel relaxed, sleepy and calm. It’s important that you take care of yourself and rest after your treatment, especially during the first 24 hours. Avoid any strenuous activities and stressful situations. We recommend eating nourishing food (fruits, vegetables, protein) and drinking plenty of water (ideally warm or room temperature). Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks as well as cold meals, as this will interfere with your body’s energy flow.

How many sessions should I have?

This can vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. Of course, this is wholly dependent on the ailment – infertility, for instance, can take longer. We offer package deals to help save on costs.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of acupuncture?

In many cases – yes! If you have private health insurance, it’s a good idea to check your plan and see if acupuncture is listed as a service your insurance provider will reimburse.  Some insurers or health plans require you to use an acupuncturist that is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which Eden Herbs is.

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