Try to have a light meal or snack prior to your session. Wear loose clothes (you can change at the clinic). At our clinic, we use real moxibustion herbs (artemisia vulgaris) that we burn on or around the needles, which has a strong smell. If you do not wish to carry that scent or if you are disturbed by the smoke, we can use the smokeless moxa instead (a little less efficient).
If you speak english, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire by AcuTrack in advance. If you don’t speak english, we will complete them together during your visit. This information will be discussed during your intake, to determine your current health status and your health goals.
The session often begins with a full medical history and a discussion about your symptoms and health goals. We record your information in AcuTrack, if it wasn’t already completed in advance (! Unfortunately, the health questionnaires are only available in English).
I may also check your pulse quality and look at your tongue as part of the assessment. If you have specific medical issues, I may also take your regular parameters (blood pressure, pulse rythm, saturation, auscultation).
You may be asked to remove some clothing so I can access specific points on your body. It is easiest to wear loose clothing (access to legs, belly, arms).
During the session
You will be placed in one of both treatment rooms lying on your belly or on your back.
Very fine, hair-thin sterile (single-use, disposable) needles are inserted into specific points on the body, which may be just under the skin or deeper into the muscle.
Insertion may cause a brief sharp sensation, but most people feel little to no pain, just a mild tingling or dull ache.
Needles are typically left in place for 20 to 30 minutes, during which you are encouraged to lie still and relax.
In some cases, the needles may be stimulated by hand. In many cases, I attach moxa rolls (artemisia vulgaris) which will slowly burn like incense and heat the needles and your associated meridians. Let me know if the smoke will bother you, in this case we will use smokeless moxa.
After the needles are removed, and depending on your needs, we will add another treatment, such as massage (usually for upper back pain), cupping (usually for local detox or stiff muscles), gua sha (usually for neck pain or flu symptoms), hot compresses (usually for sciatica, compressed vertebrae, bone diseases), etc.
After the session
After the needles are removed, there is usually no bleeding. Sometimes you will have slight bruising or first degree burn (like a sunburn).
You may feel tired or sleepy, so it's a good idea to rest and avoid strenuous activity or emotions for the rest of the day.
You may notice immediate relief, or the benefits might build over several weeks with multiple sessions.
It is often recommended to drink plenty of water after the treatment.
I recommend the following treatment rhythm: Week 1, 2, 4, 7 and then every 3-4 weeks. Depending on the duration of your condition, resolution can take place from one session to up to 6 months.
Acupuncture is known to induce deep relaxation, so ensure that you can take a short nap after your session, or have a relaxed day ahead. Within 4 hours after your session, do not drink alcohol or take drugs, as their effect will be duplicated and harmful. Eat a light meal and go to bed early. Avoid full contact with water (swimming, bath, shower), sauna, sports, exposure to sun or sunbed (« avoid contact with the elements »), or conflictual/ emotional situations. Keep to yourself as if in convalescence, and take pleasure in simple things (reading, music, …).
Each session costs 75€. You can pay with cash or bank transfer (QR code). Most health insurance companies (usually 10-12 sessions a year for 10-15€/session) and complementary insurances (up to 80% of the remaining cost) reimburse part of the sessions. Get in touch with them to find out. You'll have to scan or send your session receipt.
At 5th Element, we want to ensure our impact to you is an improved quality of life. We do this by registering your progress through Acutrack, a public health registry used by the National Institute of Health (NIH, in the UK). They search in the database for keywords and publish scientific articles on acupuncture outcomes. All your information meets the highest standards of anonymization and GDPR. We’ll ask for your specific consent to collect your data, which you may refuse.
I am happy to come to you in a distance of 15km of Longueville, at a higher (fixed) rate. Conditions can be found in the “Services” page.
If you are in another country or too far away to come here, we can consult through Zoom and I will send you material and instructions for use for your self-care when needed.
Please contact me by email or phone to assess together what your best option is.
