The therapies offered by Dr Alice Morgan have a rich history of safe practice; nevertheless, there are inherent risks associated with any therapeutic intervention. Below is a list of potential risks associated with Chinese Medicine therapies. Prior to commencing any treatment, a detailed explanation will be provided to you. The most effective way to minimise the risk is by fully and honestly answering all questions about your health. If you need additional information or have specific questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Acupuncture:

1. Soreness or Bruising: After acupuncture needles are inserted, some patients may experience soreness or bruising at the insertion sites. This is typically mild and resolves within a few breaths to a few days. You must tell your practitioner if any pain occurs during the treatment.

2. Dizziness or Fainting: Some individuals may feel lightheaded or dizzy during or after acupuncture treatment, particularly if they are sensitive to needle insertion or have low blood pressure. Fainting can occur in rare cases. You must tell your practitioner if you are feeling dizzy or faint at any point of your treatment.

3. Fatigue: Following acupuncture, some patients may experience temporary fatigue or drowsiness. This is often described as a feeling of relaxation and is considered a normal response to treatment. Do not drive straight after a treatment if you are feeling extremely fatigued.

4. Worsening of Symptoms: In some cases, symptoms may temporarily worsen after acupuncture treatment before improving. This phenomenon, known as a "healing crisis" or "aggravation of symptoms," is thought to occur as the body readjusts and rebalances its energy. You must contact your practitioner if you have any concerns or questions about any worsening of symptoms.

5. Infection or Injury: While rare, there is a slight risk of infection or injury at the acupuncture needle insertion sites. To minimise this risk, Alice Morgan Acupuncture uses single-use, sterile, disposable needles and follows strict hygiene protocols. You must let your practitioner know of any infection that occurs after the treatment and seek proper medical treatment if needed.

6. Pneumothorax Risk: A very rare but serious risk, a pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity between the lung and the chest wall, leading to lung collapse. With years of supervised training, your practitioner knows how to avoid this. If you feel like an pneumothorax has occurred, you must seek immediate medical attention.

Fire Cupping:

1. Skin Irritation: Fire cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which may cause temporary redness, bruising, or skin irritation. These effects typically resolve within a few days. You must left your practitioner know if these irritations stay for longer than a few days.

2. Skin Burns: One of the most significant risks of fire cupping is the potential for burns. The cups are heated using an open flame before being placed on the skin. Thermal burns are rare. You must let your practitioner know if the cups start getting too hot during the treatment.

3. Sensation of Pressure: During fire cupping, patients may experience a sensation of pressure or tightness at the fire cupping sites. This sensation is usually mild and well-tolerated but may be uncomfortable for some individuals. You must let your practitioner know if the sensation is too strong so the cups can be adjusted.

4. Bruising: Fire cupping can leave circular bruises on the skin where the cups were placed. These bruises are usually painless and fade within a week or two. However, they may be unsightly for some patients. You must let your practitioner know if you cannot have marks on your body for the next two weeks due to events.

Moxibustion:

1. Skin Burns: Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort (moxa) near acupuncture points to stimulate healing and warmth. Thermal skin burns are a risk. You must let your practitioner know if the moxibustion sensation is too hot during your treatment.

2. Smoke Sensitivity: Some individuals may be sensitive to the smoke produced during moxibustion. Alice Morgan Acupuncture uses smokeless moxibustion to reduce the amount of smoke produced. You must let your practitioner know if you start suffering form any respiratory issues during the treatment.

Gua Sha:

1. Petechiae or Ecchymosis: Gua sha involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to promote blood flow and relieve tension. This scraping action can cause small red or purple spots (petechiae) or larger bruises (ecchymosis) to appear on the skin. These marks typically fade within a few days but may be alarming to some patients. This occurs more on the body than the facial gua sha used in the aesthetic acupuncture, however the face and neck can be affected. Utmost care is used to ensure this doesn't happen. You must let your practitioner know if you cannot have marks on your body for the next two weeks due to events.

2. Skin Irritation: Gua sha may cause temporary skin irritation or sensitivity, particularly. Any irritation usually resolve in a few days. You must left your practitioner know if these irritations stay for longer than a few days.

Heat Lamp:

1. Burns: One of the most significant risks of heat lamp therapy is the potential for burns. Thermal burns are rare but can ranging from mild redness to severe blistering. Option to move the heat lamp and instructions on how to do so safely will be given during your treatment. You must alert your practitioner if the heat lamp is too hot.

2. Skin Irritation: Prolonged exposure to heat from a lamp can lead to skin irritation, including redness, itching, and discomfort. This is particularly true for individuals with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions. Irritation usually resolves in a few days. You must left your practitioner know if these irritations stay for longer than a few days.

3. Dehydration: Heat lamps can increase the body's temperature and promote sweating, leading to dehydration if adequate fluid intake is not maintained. You must let your practitioner know if you are in need of hydration.

Chinese Herbs and Supplements:

You must let your practitioner know if you are on any current medications including supplements and other herbs from any medical practitioner as well as over the counter products

1. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to certain Chinese herbs or supplements, leading to symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions can vary in severity. You must let your practitioner know if you have any mild reactions. If the reaction is severe, you must seek immediate medical attention. Stop taking the herbs/supplements prescribed by Alice Morgan Acupuncture until you have spoke to your practitioner.

2. Gastrointestinal Upset: Chinese herbs and supplements may cause gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain. These symptoms may be mild and transient or more severe, depending on individual tolerance and sensitivity. You must let your practitioner know if you have had any upsets. Stop taking the herbs/supplements prescribed by Alice Morgan Acupuncture until you have spoke to your practitioner.

3. Drug Interactions: Chinese herbs and supplements may interact with medications, either by enhancing or inhibiting their effects or altering their metabolism in the body. These interactions can lead to unexpected side effects or reduce the effectiveness of medications. You must let your practitioner know what medications you are taking.

4. Pregnancy and Lactation: Certain Chinese herbs and supplements may be contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the foetus or nursing infant. You must let your practitioner know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

5. Individual Variability: Individual responses to Chinese herbs and supplements can vary widely based on factors such as age, gender, underlying health conditions, and genetic factors. Some individuals may be more sensitive to certain herbs or may experience adverse effects at lower doses. You must let your practitioner know if you have any adverse reactions. Stop taking the herbs/supplements prescribed by Alice Morgan Acupuncture until you have spoke to your practitioner..