Roberta Weber Traditional Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture uses very fine solid disposable sterile needles that are not much thicker than an individual hair to penetrate specific points along various energetic meridians. The Ancient Chinese defined these meridians, which flow through each of us, over 2000 years ago. I also employ the use of moxibustion, which is the burning of the herb mugwort over the acupuncture point to further aid effectiveness of treatment.


What does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is therapy for the whole person and as such it treats whatever ails us. Five Element acupuncture does not chase symptoms. For example, treatment is not done to address a stomach ulcer alone – so, three people presenting with a stomach ulcer (as defined by their doctors) will receive different treatments. This is because each person is different and the medicine required is personal to them. My job as an acupuncturist is to work out the best way to treat each person and in doing so help alleviate the distress.


Do you specialise in the treatment of certain complaints or conditions?

Traditional Acupuncture is in its nature a generalist style of medicine. The idea of separating out, for example skin conditions from fertility and from the whole of the person is completely foreign to this style of medicine. As such I do not consider myself to have any specialties. Those complaints for which I have found my treatment has helped someone are listed on the home page. This does not mean, unfortunately, that I will find success in treating all people with this ailment. Every person is unique and the key to my success lies more in my ability to understand a person than in understanding the symptoms in a Western medical sense.

What happens during a treatment?

The first session is generally different than any repeat treatments. This treatment is devoted to a discussion of your life and health as well as a 'clearing' treatment and physical exam. Two hours are set aside for the first treatment. The next treatments generally last from 45 minutes to one hour and will comprise a brief chat, and then the treatment. It is helpful if the patient wears no makeup or perfumes. You will need to undress down to you under garments during most treatments (blankets are provided for modesty and comfort).


How will I feel afterwards?

The first needling session (the clearing treatment) will leave a minority of people feeling sleepy or lightheaded and so it is best to have a very easy day afterwards, and an early night. Driving after any treatment should be done with caution. Subsequent treatments will generally leave one feeling energised. It is very important to monitor yourself after all acupuncture treatments to gauge your own state of alertness before driving, operating machinery, etc. To keep the treatment effective, it's important to avoid alcohol or any illicit substances on the day of a treatment.

Does it hurt?

Most people will not even feel the needle penetrate the skin. When the needle connects with the energy you will generally feel a sensation that is sometimes described as a dull ache, a tug or a zing that will feel intense to some people.


How many treatments will I need?

A normal course of treatments will involve four to six weekly sessions followed if necessary by fortnightly and then monthly treatments. Generally one can expect to feel some improvement by four treatments at least. Healing is a process that takes time and some conditions may need more intensive treatments in the first instance.


Can I eat and drink as normal?

It is important on the day of treatment to avoid alcohol and, if possible, all medication other than that prescribed by a doctor. Sufficient water intake is crucial to effective treatment and will be discussed during the first sessions. It is best not to be too hungry, nor to have a full stomach before treatment.



What are the Five Elements?

The Five Elements are constructs used by the Ancient Chinese to describe the flow of energy seen in the natural world. Specifically they are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal corresponding to Winter, Spring, Summer, Late Summer (harvest time), and Autumn respectively. Ideally, energy flows within us and through the Elements much as the seasons move – with constancy and in one direction. Ill health arises when the flow of energy is impeded.


How can these ‘constructs’ be used to choose points?

Each person has a major imbalance within them that corresponds to one of the Elements. In Traditional Acupuncture, we concentrate on finding this fundamental imbalance, as we know that treating the specific Element is necessary to get to the root of the discomfort. As such, diagnosis does not rely on the presence of symptoms to decipher the imbalance, although the fading of symptoms can help gauge the effectiveness of treatment.