Question 1

When do you work and what do you charge?

Accepted Answer

I currently work on Wednesdays and Fridays
Fees are £80 for the first visit and £65 for returns

Question 2

Where do I find you?

Accepted Answer

Gordon Peck Clinic
Healthworks 
Whitefield Road
Tunbridge Wells  
TN4 9UD *
What 3 Words: unit.park.relay
07514 918 495
* This is not the official postcode, but it works properly.  Don't ask...

Question 3

Can I park at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

There is usually ample space in the clinic car park, (the slot at the far right corner is reserved for people with disabilities)

If by any chance we are full and there are no spaces in Whitefield road, John Street car park TN4 9RU (W3W - soft.orbit.hiding) is 4 minutes walk away - 2hrs parking for 60p by card or RingGo

Question 4

What is Integrated Acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

I have trained widely over the years and I use acupuncture alongside massage, acupressure, cupping, palm healing, warming of points and other methods according to need
I may also recommend dietary changes, qigong or yoga techniques and other self-help measures to augment the treatment and achieve good results with fewer visits

Question 5

How are acupuncturists trained, and what are the differences?"

Accepted Answer

There are several main styles of acupuncture in use.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM gathers information by looking, asking, listening and palpating.
Treatment is based on the individual pattern which emerges
The basic principles have been used and refined over 2000 years, and are still an important part of mainstream medicine in the east.
 
Five Elements Acupuncture
A recent system using the Five Elements theory alone, popularised by JR Worsley
I use Five Elements, but in a more traditional context

Dry Needling
Sometimes referred to as acupuncture, this is frequently taught as a weekend course for physios, osteopaths and chiropractors for pain control
 
Western (Medical) Acupuncture
Used by western medical practitioners, the emphasis is on treating muscles and nerves,usually for pain control
Does not usually consider traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment, preferring western science based theory

Properly qualified traditional acupuncturists can be found at the British Acupuncture Council (https://acupuncture.org.uk/)
Members use a variety of styles, but all have trained for an average of 3500 hours over three to four years, and are able to treat a wide range of conditions
When applied by these fully trained practitioners, acupuncture is one of the safest therapies

Question 6

What diseases can acupuncture treat?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture affects a huge range of conditions. 
See our Register's booklet - The Scope of Acupuncture - you can download a copy here
(https://bacc-wp-media-library.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/18165141/BAcC_The_Scope_Of_Acupuncture_2020.pdf)Rather than treating diseases as such, we focus on the person experiencing the symptoms, so a given condition could be treated in very different ways depending on how it has affected that particular person.

Question 7

Will my private health insurance cover me?

Accepted Answer

Many health insurance companies including AXA PPP will pay
Please check first, as you may need to be referred by a doctor or consultant, and cover may be limited 
Payment is per visit and I will provide a receipt for you to claim back from the Insurer

Question 8

What can I do to help with the treatment?

Accepted Answer

A lot!  Take a look at Helping Yourself page for suggestions
 
Avoid alcohol or heavy meals before the treatment, but don’t go hungry - a light meal is fine
 
Try not do do heavy exercise immediately after treatment unless you train hard daily.

Question 9

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

My style of acupuncture uses fine needles, usually with gentle stimulation. 
Most patients enjoy the treatment
The sensations of tingling, warmth  or heaviness are welcome signs of activity
Massage, pressure, cupping, warming and even light touch may also be used in treatment

GORDON PECK