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Your appointment
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first appointment will begin with a consultation to discuss your health, lifestyle and any concerns you would like to address. Your practitioner will then recommend a suitable treatment plan and talk you through what to expect before beginning your treatment.
What should I wear or bring?
We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the areas being treated. There is no need to bring anything specific, but please bring any relevant medical information or details of medication you are currently taking.
How long does an appointment take?
Appointments typically last around 60 minutes, although this can vary depending on the treatment you are receiving. Your first appointment may take a little longer to allow time for a full consultation.
My booking
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be booked online through our booking system. Simply select your preferred treatment, date and time, and follow the instructions to confirm your appointment.
What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please give us as much notice as possible. You can contact us directly or manage your appointment through the online booking system, depending on how your appointment was booked.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
If you miss an appointment without letting us know, a cancellation or missed appointment fee may apply. We understand that unexpected circumstances can happen, so please contact us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.
Acupuncture
What is Traditional Acupuncture Therapy?
Traditional Acupuncture Therapy is a treatment based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points to help restore the body's natural balance, encourage healing, and promote overall wellbeing.
How does it work?
It stimulates the nervous system
When a needle is inserted, it activates sensory nerves in the skin and muscles. Those nerve signals travel to the spinal cord and brain, where they can:
• Reduce the transmission of pain signals.
• Activate areas of the brain involved in pain control.
• Trigger the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals.
It releases the body's natural painkillers
Acupuncture has been shown to increase the release of substances such as:
• Endorphins (the body's natural opioids)
• Enkephalins
• Serotonin
• Norepinephrine
These chemicals can reduce pain and improve mood.
What conditions can Traditional Acupuncture help with?
Traditional Acupuncture is commonly used to support a wide range of conditions, including back and neck pain, headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety, digestive issues, sports injuries, women's health concerns, poor sleep, and general wellbeing. Your practitioner will discuss whether acupuncture is appropriate for your individual needs.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture is. The needles are extremely fine, and many people feel little more than a slight tingling, warmth, heaviness or dull ache when they are inserted. Many patients also find the treatment deeply relaxing.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
The number of treatments depends on your symptoms, how long you've had them, and your overall health. Some people notice improvement after one or two sessions, while others benefit from a course of treatments. Your practitioner will recommend a personalised treatment plan.
What happens during my first appointment?
Your first appointment includes a detailed consultation where your practitioner will ask about your health, lifestyle, medical history, sleep, digestion, and current symptoms. They may also examine your tongue and pulse, which are traditional diagnostic methods used in Chinese Medicine, before providing your treatment.
Is Traditional Acupuncture safe?
Yes. Traditional Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Your practitioner will carry out a full consultation beforehand to ensure the treatment is suitable for you.
Are there any side effects?
Most people experience little or no side effects. Occasionally, you may notice mild bruising, temporary soreness where a needle was inserted, or feel relaxed or slightly tired after treatment. These effects are usually short-lived.
Can I have acupuncture alongside other medical treatments?
Yes. Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional medical care and other therapies. Please let your practitioner know about any medications, ongoing treatments or medical conditions so your care can be tailored safely.
Is acupuncture suitable during pregnancy?
Acupuncture can often be used safely during pregnancy when provided by a suitably trained practitioner. If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, please let your practitioner know before your treatment.
What should I do after my acupuncture treatment?
After your appointment, it's a good idea to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day, and allow yourself time to relax. Many people feel calm and refreshed following treatment, while others may feel slightly tired as the body responds.
Cupping
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is a traditional treatment that uses specially designed cups to create gentle suction on the skin. The suction helps to increase circulation, relieve muscle tension, encourage lymphatic drainage, and support the body's natural healing processes.
What can cupping help with?
Cupping is commonly used to help with:
• Muscle aches and stiffness
• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Sports injuries and recovery
• Headaches and migraines
• Stress and tension
• Poor circulation
• General muscle tightness and restricted movement
Does cupping hurt?
Cupping should not be painful. You may feel a gentle pulling or tightening sensation as the cups create suction. Many people find the treatment deeply relaxing, although areas of tight muscle may feel more sensitive.
Why does cupping leave circular marks?
The circular marks are a normal and temporary result of the suction drawing blood to the surface of the skin. They are not bruises and are usually painless. The marks typically fade within a few days to two weeks, depending on the individual.
How long does a cupping treatment take?
A typical cupping session lasts between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the area being treated and whether it is combined with other therapies.
Are there any side effects?
Most people experience little more than the temporary circular marks. Occasionally, mild tenderness, warmth or slight fatigue may occur after treatment, but these effects usually settle within a day or two.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on your condition, your overall health, and your treatment goals. Some people notice relief after one session, while others benefit from a course of treatments.
Can cupping be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Cupping is often used alongside acupuncture, massage therapy and other treatments to help improve mobility, reduce pain, and support recovery.
Is cupping suitable for everyone?
Cupping is suitable for many people, but it may not be recommended if you have certain skin conditions, bleeding disorders, are taking blood-thinning medication, or are pregnant in some circumstances. Your practitioner will discuss your medical history before treatment.
Gua Sha
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves gently gliding a smooth-edged tool over the skin to improve circulation, release muscle tension, and encourage the body's natural healing processes. It is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and promote relaxation.
What conditions can Gua Sha help with?
Gua Sha may help with a variety of conditions, including:
• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Muscle tension and stiffness
• Sports injuries
• Headaches and migraines
• Jaw tension (TMJ)
• Stress and fatigue
• Restricted movement and tight muscles
Your practitioner will assess your symptoms and determine whether Gua Sha is suitable for your treatment plan.
Does Gua Sha hurt?
Gua Sha should not be painful. You may feel firm pressure or a scraping sensation as the tool moves across the skin, but the treatment is usually comfortable. Areas of significant muscle tension may feel more sensitive.
Why does Gua Sha leave red or purple marks?
The marks, known as "sha," are a normal response to treatment and are caused by increased circulation under the skin. They are not bruises and are usually painless. Depending on the individual, they typically fade within 3 to 10 days.
How long does a Gua Sha treatment take?
A Gua Sha session usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, although it may be incorporated into a longer acupuncture or massage treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Most people experience no significant side effects. Some temporary redness, warmth, tenderness or mild fatigue after treatment is normal and usually settles within a day or two.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your symptoms, how long you've had them, and your treatment goals. Some people notice improvement after a single treatment, while others benefit from a short course of sessions.Can Gua Sha be combined with other treatments?Yes. Gua Sha is often used alongside acupuncture, cupping therapy and massage to enhance treatment outcomes, reduce muscle tension, and support recovery.
Is Gua Sha suitable for everyone?
Gua Sha is suitable for most people, but it may not be recommended if you have certain skin conditions, bleeding disorders, are taking blood-thinning medication, or have areas of broken or infected skin. Your practitioner will discuss your medical history to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.
Microneedling
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses a device with fine needles to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural healing process and encourages collagen and elastin production, helping to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
How does it work?
The fine needles create controlled micro-channels in the skin, prompting the body’s natural repair response. As the skin heals, collagen and elastin production are encouraged, which can help improve skin texture, firmness and the appearance of fine lines, scarring and uneven skin tone.
Does microneedling hurt?
Microneedling can feel slightly uncomfortable, but most people tolerate the treatment well. A topical numbing cream may be used beforehand to make the treatment more comfortable. You may experience some redness, warmth or sensitivity afterwards, similar to mild sunburn.
What conditions can microneedling help with?
Microneedling can be used to improve a range of common skin concerns, including fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, acne scarring and uneven skin tone. Your skin will be assessed before treatment to determine whether microneedling is suitable for your individual needs.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed will depend on your skin, your concerns and the results you are hoping to achieve. A course of treatments may be recommended for more noticeable or longer-term concerns, with time between appointments to allow your skin to recover.
What results will I see?
Following treatment, your skin may initially appear brighter and more refreshed. As collagen production takes place over time, you may notice gradual improvements in skin texture, firmness and overall appearance. Results vary from person to person and develop progressively following treatment.
Ready to take time for yourself?
Whether you're new to acupuncture or looking to make your wellbeing a regular part of your routine, The Willow Clinic is here to support you. Take the first step towards a more balanced approach to your health.