FAQ

FAQ

Thank you for taking an interest in Charlotte Hazeldine Chinese Medicine (CHCM) services. Please find below some questions which may help you.

What is your official qualification?

I am a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner and a British Acupuncture Council Member (‘BAcC) (member number: 960727). The BAcC is part of the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Accredited Register.

I received my Licentiate of Acupuncture and Licentiate Diploma in Tuina  qualification from the City College of Acupuncture in 2023. Currently, I work part-time at the Chiltern Neuro Centre and part-time in my private clinic Charlotte Hazeldine Chinese Medicine (‘CHCM’).

How does TCM differ from other Acupuncture?

TCM is the main style of acupuncture practised in China and in its hospitals. China has had a rich and diverse history of different styles of Chinese Medicine, TCM is a consolidation of this thinking. There are other styles of Acupuncture practised in other countries in the far east. All Oriental Medicine focuses on the body as a whole, and as a continuous stream of moving and changing energy. Even though a patient may suffer from a certain type of pain or symptom, this may be an effect or consequence of some other underlying issue elsewhere on the body which the patient may not be unaware of.

A TCM qualification requires rigorous study and many clinic hours supervised by experienced TCM practitioners. 

What treatments do you currently offer?

Acupuncture, Tui Na, Guasha, Moxa and Heat therapy

Your treatment plan may consist of using just one treatment method, or both treatment methods in conjunction. We will discuss and compose your treatment plan at your first appointment. Your treatment plan will be dictated by your current health situation. 

Lifestyle (Yang Shen) advice is also incorporated into your sessions. As a TCM practitioner we look at the body as whole. Therefore, what you do, how you exercise and how you eat impacts on the effectiveness of treatment.

How do your treatments work?

Please refer to the treatments page.

Am I a good candidate for the treatments you offer?

Usually Chinese Medicine can safely be practised alongside Western medicine. Your CHCM treatment plan will be discussed and made at your first session. If you do not feel comfortable or happy with one treatment method, then other treatment methods may be better alternatives. 

However, once discussing your individual case and providing that you give me your full, correct, honest and true medical information I may, on occasion, have to recommend alternative medical interventions, such as contacting your GP. It depends on the individual circumstances of your case. 

What conditions do you specialise in?

TCM practitioners undergo rigorous study and many clinic hours where we are trained and exposed to many different conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine does not have specialisms in the same way western mainstream medical practice does. 

Some practitioners may have special interests and undertake training in certain areas e.g. child acupuncture. Working at the Chiltern Neuro Centre I work specifically with those who have neurological difficulties but I also treat their family members or carers who do not have neurological conditions. 

In my private practice I am happy to consult with any potential patient who is interested in receiving treatment for any condition(s).

Do you treat Children?

Yes. Children (patients under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or appointed guardian, who must remain on the premises until treatment is complete.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Generally it should not be painful. It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as the acupuncturist adjusts the needle. If you do feel any discomfort a needle can be adjusted or removed. 

As acupuncture needles are fine, many people don’t feel them being inserted. Many patients feel relaxed during treatment. 

I am scared of needles, what are my options?

It is completely understandable that acupuncture can be scary. I am very happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have, just simply drop me an email acupuncture@charlottehazeldine.com or give me a call on 01296 696133. I will get back to you within 48 hours.

But do not worry, there are other treatments available to you such as Tui Na, a traditional Chinese and bodywork massage which does not require the use of needles. Please refer to the treatments page which will give you further information on other treatment options. 

Is acupuncture safe?

There are numerous scientific papers published on the safety of acupuncture, which conclude that acupuncture is safe so long as it is delivered by a properly trained individual. It is strongly recommended you ensure your acupuncturist belongs to a professional organisation such as the BAcC.

Research papers on the safety of acupuncture:

• MacPherson H, Thomas K, Walters S, et al. The York acupuncture safety study: prospective survey of 34 000 treatments by traditional acupuncturists. BMJ Clinical research 2001;323(7311):486-87.
• White, A. (2006). The safety of acupuncture – evidence from the UK. Acupuncture in Medicine, 24(Suppl), 53–57. https://doi.org/10.1136/aim.24.Suppl.53
• Witt CM, Pach D, Brinkhaus B, et al. Safety of acupuncture: results of a prospective observational study with 229,230 patients and introduction of a medical information and consent form. Forschende Komplementärmedizin 2009;16(2):91-97. doi: 10.1159/000209315

Are there any side effects?

As with any treatment, there is always a potential of side effects. Please take note of the following:

Acupuncture

As acupuncture involves the insertion of needles, the side effects may include:

• Small bruising or bleeding at needle insertion site. 
• Slight irritation at needle insertion site.
• Feeling dizzy or nauseous during or after treatment.
• Experiencing tiredness or a headache after treatment.
• Local muscle pain or strong muscle pain during needling.
• Emotional release.
• On rare occasions patients may lose consciousness. 
• Risk of infection at the needle site (I am trained to provide all treatments hygienically).
• Very rare side effects include pneumothorax and nerve damage.

IMPORTANT: to help minimise any unwanted side effects, please let me know;

• Any/all medications you are taking. 
• If you feel hot or the room is stuffy.
• If you are hungry and/or thirsty.

Tui Na

As this is a medical massage some patients may experience the following side effects:

• Temporary soreness or discomfort.
• Minor bruising. 
• Light-headedness or dizziness.
• Fatigue or exhaustion.
• Skin reactions.
• Emotional release.
• Rare side effects include headaches, nausea and increased thirst and/or hunger.

IMPORTANT:

• If you are prone to skin conditions let your practitioner know.
• Listen to your body for example if you feel tired, take a nap – your body needs it. 
• Stay well hydrated and fed. 

Is Tui Na as effective as Acupuncture?

Tui Na is considered to be on the same level as acupuncture. Dating back over 2000 years Tui Na is used extensively in China to treat internal conditions as well as musculoskeletal issues. Instead of using needles which penetrate the skin a Tui Na practitioner will utilise various techniques including kneading, rolling, pressing and rubbing the body which activates the flow of Qi and ultimately restore harmony. 

How long and how much are treatments?

Please see the bookings page.

How can I prepare for my first appointment?

Documentation

CHCM will send you an engagement letter and patient forms. It is strongly advised that you complete and send these documents back before your appointment, so it can be reviewed prior to your arrival (and you can get the most out of your treatment session). However, if you are unable to send it prior to the appointment, please hand it in at your first appointment.

Nutrition & Hydration (and every subsequent appointment)

Please, please, please (it cannot be stressed enough!) eat a good breakfast/lunch before you arrive for your appointment, and keep well hydrated. Because in Chinese Medicine we believe in supporting the foundations of the body, it is paramount for your own safety and wellbeing that you provide your body with the necessary nutrition and hydration it needs, to make it stable and strong enough to undergo treatment. If you do not eat an adequate meal and stay hydrated this may severely impact your treatment and its effectiveness. CHCM has the right to refuse providing any treatment if it is deemed unsafe to do so. 

What will my appointment look like?

Initial appointment

It is very important that we discuss your health and medications in depth as well as compose a treatment plan you are comfortable with. It is also an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with me. Depending on your unique circumstance it may be more discussion heavy – it is a case-by-case basis. However, I will aim to give you 20 minutes of treatment time.

Successive appointments

At the beginning of each successive appointment I will ask you how you have been since your last treatment; what benefits or concerns you have observed since your previous treatment. This should last a maximum of 20 minutes. I will then tweak your treatment accordingly with the aim of giving you at least a 20-30 minute treatment time.   

Sixth Appointment (and every sixth appointment thereafter)

We will begin with a more discussion heavy session and analyse how you have been feeling, what you have been noticing since beginning your treatments with CHCM. We can then review your treatment plan and amend it accordingly. After which, we shall proceed with a treatment. I will aim to give you 20 minutes of treatment time.

How often should I undergo treatment/how many treatment sessions will I need?

This is determined on a case-by case basis, which I will be happy to discuss with you at your appointment(s). 

For general maintenance I would recommend four visits a year as a minimum i.e. one visit every season. Maximum I would recommend once a month.

What should I wear?

Loose, comfortable clothing. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. If you have an acupuncture appointment, I will need access to various skin areas, but generally your feet to knees and hands to elbows. 

Tui Na is traditionally practised on fully clothed patients. Wearing loose comfortable clothing ensures I can move your body and joints through their full range of motion.   

How quickly will I see any benefits?

It is important to stress that nothing is guaranteed. However, there is strong evidence showing the effectiveness of Acupuncture and Tui Na to relieve symptoms of pain as well as headaches and migraines to list a few. Please refer to the BAcC website which references the relevant literature. Also the evidence based acupuncture project. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a compounding effect. What you put in, is what you will get out. A TCM practitioner will look at the body as a whole. Yang Shen(Lifestyle advice) may accompany treatments. If you do not follow the partitioner’s lifestyle recommendations you may not see as much progress as desired. 

What days do you run your clinic?

I am currently running my private clinic weekly on Monday and Friday. 

Home visits may vary and depend on availability. Please get in contact for further information.

What if I am running late?

It is understandable that situations which are out of your control arise, such as unforeseen traffic or last-minute emergencies. Please call me at your earliest convenience. 

If after 15 minutes your appointment has started but you have not been in contact, it will be presumed you are not attending. This may incur a last-minute cancellation fee charge (please see below).

If you have been in contact I will do my best to accommodate you once you have arrived, but please understand there may be patients after you and that you may not receive the full allotted treatment time.

Cancellation policy in a nutshell?

48 hrs notice is required by email to acupuncture@charlottehazeldine.com. Anything less, a 50% appointment fee will be charged. As you can appreciate there are costs which incur for every appointment including renting the space and making sure it is clean and safe, as well as organising another client at the last minute. This charge is at the discretion of CHCM. 

Where is your clinic being held?

Your CHCM appointment will be held at the: Chiltern Neuro Centre, Oakwood Close,  Wendover, Aylesbury,  Buckinghamshire, HP22 5LX

Alternatively, home visits for Tui Na treatments can be arranged under special circumstances, provided the location is within 15 miles of the Chiltern Neuro Centre.

Where to park?

Please note that the Chiltern Neuro Centre is reserved for Chiltern Neuro Centre members only. The clinic is embedded within a residential area. There is on-street parking outside the premises, but please be mindful of where you park and that you do not obstruct resident’s driveways or park in the residential bays. Please allow yourself enough time to find parking.

Payment

Payment is due in full during the appointment. Bank transfer, card or by payment link is accepted. Cash is NOT accepted. 

Cancellation fees are due 48hrs after the intended appointment. Less than 48hrs notice is charged 50% of the appointment price, “no-shows” are charged 100% of the appointment price, charged at the discretion of CHCM. Unforeseen Circumstances, charged at the discretion of CHCM.

Please refer to the cancellation section of the CHCM Terms and Conditions.

Can I gift someone a treatment?

Unfortunately, I do not offer a gifting option. As a TCM practitioner I provide medical treatments which are not considered luxury treatments. Medical treatments require personal, in-depth health information to be shared, and although a very lovely gesture not every recipient may be willing to divulge the necessary information I require in order to treat them effectively. 

Can I book on behalf of someone else who needs help?

By all means if someone who does not have a communication disability is wanting treatment, I am happy to book an appointment through a third party. 

However, please be mindful:

• The patient must complete and submit all the necessary paperwork prior/at the beginning of their appointment.
• Due to GDPR I will not be able to discuss their treatment plan or anything else concerning their health with anyone but the patient. Unless, they have signed a third party consent form. 

If someone has a disability which affects their ability to communicate please send an email to acupuncture@charlottehazeldine.com or call 01296 696133 where we can discuss how we can help.

Equally if you are unsure about your situation, or wish to make some initial enquiries, please send an email to acupuncture@charlottehazeldine.com to discuss the situation or call 01296 696133..

Complaints

I am very sorry that you are not happy with CHCM’s current services. 

As a first port of call please contact acupuncture@charlottehazeldine.com with ‘Complaint [insert surname]’ in the subject title, where we will try to resolve any issues or concerns you may have.

If no resolve can be found you can then elevate your complaint to the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).