Question 1

Where do I find you?

Accepted Answer

Gordon Peck ClinicHealthworks Whitefield RoadTunbridge Wells  TN4 9UD *What 3 Words: unit.park.relay07514 918 495* This is not the official postcode, but it works properly.  Don't ask...

Question 2

Can I park at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

There is usually ample space in the clinic car park.   Park anywhere except the far right corner which is reserved for Blue Badge holdersThere are often spaces in Whitefield Rd as wellJohn Street car park TN4 9RU (W3W - soft.orbit.hiding) is 4 minutes walk away - 2hrs parking for 60p by card or RingGo, but very unlikely to be needed.

Question 3

What is Integrated Acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

I have trained widely over the years and I draw from several styles of acupuncture along with massage, acupressure, cupping, heating points, palm healing and other methods as neededI may also recommend dietary changes, qigong or other self-help measures to augment the treatment to get good results with fewer visits

Question 4

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 emergesThe basic principles have been used and refined over 2000 years, and are still an important part of mainstream medicine in the east. Five Elements AcupunctureA recent system using the Five Elements theory alone, popularised by JR WorsleyI use Five Elements, but in a more traditional contextDry 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 controlDoes not usually consider traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment, preferring western science based theoryProperly qualified traditional acupuncturists can be found at the British Acupuncture Council 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 conditionsWhen applied by these fully trained practitioners, acupuncture is one of the safest therapies

Question 5

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
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 6

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 7

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
 
Avoid heavy exercise immediately after treatment unless you train hard daily.

Question 8

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

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