Lena C D Fong

Chinese Acupuncture

Qualifications
TCM Acupuncture (DipAc)
Acupressure Massage (certified)
Member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC)

Profile
My initial interest in health care emerged during my studies at Edinburgh University where I trained to be a research chemist. I decided to look into complementary medicine after having seen amazing improvements to arthritic pain experienced by my long- suffering mother.

Following 4 years of study and supervised clinical practice at the Northern College of Acupuncture & Clinics in York, I gained a certificate to practice this type of therapy and I am looking to continue my studies in order to dispense Chinese Herbal Medicine, so that my patients can have a choice of therapies.

Testimonials
"I've been treated by Lena and would advocate a session with her to all. Lena has worked wonders with my original injury through a variety of treatments, helping my mobility and flexibility. After an appointment with her, I feel relaxed, revitalised and completely tension (and more importantly) pain free".
M.C., Assistant Accountant, Edinburgh

"Having suffered from varying degrees of insomnia for approximately seven years and being very reluctant to take any conventional medication, I was keen to explore new avenues. I have now visited Lena on at least 6 occasions and am delighted to say that my sleeping pattern has improved quite drastically. Lena is highly professional in her manner and approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending her services to others."
J.G., IT Asset Agent, Edinburgh

What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a holistic therapy used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve functioning of the body. Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Acupuncture is safe, effective and is becoming more popular in the West. Furthermore, doctors are increasingly recognising the validity of acupuncture treatment as a complementary therapy to conventional medicine.

The aim of acupuncture is to regulate the channels of the body and unblock stagnation of vital energy (Qi). When Qi gets blocked or deficient, we feel unwell physically or emotionally.

Acupuncture is usually performed with needles (disposable and very fine). You may feel a slight tingling sensation when the needles are inserted. Various methods of manipulating needles can be applied to create subtle sensations. In certain conditions, some other techniques are used as part of treatment:

• Electro-acupuncture applies electric pulses to the needles.
• Moxibustion uses a Chinese herb to heat points or needles.
• Cupping involves attaching a cup to the skin surface, creating a low pressure that increases circulation, diminishes pain and creates other results. It can prevent the development of colds in the early stages.
• Plum Blossom Needling uses the principles of bleeding certain points to expel impurities.

What can acupuncture treat?

• Musculo-skeletal: Tennis and golfers elbow, frozen shoulder, pain, sciatica, arthritis, repetitive strain injury, sports injury.
• Mental/emotional problems: Anxiety, insomnia, depression, manic depression, stress.
• Gastrointestinal: Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, gastritis, indigestion, colitis, and ulcers.
• Respiratory: Hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, catarrh, and recurrent colds/flu.
• Skin disorders: Acne, eczema, psoriasis.
• Ear and eye: Tinnitus, dizziness/ vertigo, conjunctivitis, blurred vision.
• Nervous system: Neuralgia, facial paralysis, after-effects of stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease.
• Urinary disorders: Cystitis, urinary infection, incontinence.
• Woman's disorders: Menstrual problems, infertility, menopausal symptoms, hot flushes, post-natal depression, and uterine prolapse.
• Men's disorders: Impotence, premature ejaculation, prostatisis.
• Other: ME, glandular fever, migraine, high blood pressure, addictions, and phobias.

Diagnosis and treatment The initial consultation will involve taking a case history in order to be able to make a diagnosis in Chinese Medicine and formulate an effective treatment strategy. Case taking involves finding out (in detail) about your condition and many other aspects of your health, lifestyle and medical history will also be taken. There will be a point where the pulse will be examined and the tongue will be looked at.

Frequency of treatments This will depend on the individual and their condition. For an acute condition, a few treatments may be sufficient. As far as possible the number of anticipated treatments will be advised but this can be difficult to predict. Treatment is once/twice a week although this may be less frequent depending on the condition.

Are there any adverse effects from treatment? One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of side effects. Occasionally an acupuncture point may bleed very slightly after being needled and this stops almost immediately. Bruising is another rare occurrence. Sometimes a patient may feel a little worse after treatment but this should only be a temporary aggravation, followed by a stronger improvement.

Advice before and after treatment
Acupuncture treatment can be done at any time, however it is best to eat a light meal before treatment and avoid an unusually large meal immediately after. Alcohol and sedatives should be avoided for the day. Patients should advise the acupuncturist if they are feeling particularly tired on the day that they attend clinic.

Cancellation Policy
Please note that 24 hours notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If less than 24 hours notice is given, then the full fee will be charged and invoiced to your home address.

For more information see my website www.lenafong.com

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