FAQ’s
1. WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote physical and emotional harmony through the insertion of thin needles in specific points of the body. Along with exercise and nutrition, acupuncture works with the body’s innate ability to heal and regenerate itself. It is a form of therapy that involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to regulate the body’s functions and promote healing. It belongs to Chinese medicine, a continuous and evolving medical system developed in Asia over 3000 years. Chinese medicine sees the body as an energetic system in dynamic balance: in health, the energy flows freely to animate the body but this balance can become disturbed by daily stresses, lifestyle, dietary choices, or other environmental reasons. This imbalance gives rise to physical and emotional symptoms including pain, illnesses, or simply the feeling of being unwell.
2. WHO HAS ACUPUNCTURE?
While some people turn to acupuncture for help with specific conditions or to relieve specific pains, others come for treatment as a preventative measure to maintain good health, or improve their general sense of wellbeing.
Acupuncture both addresses the manifestation and the root cause of your symptoms: while I will focus on addressing your primary complaint, you might notice that other problems resolve during the course of your treatment. NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommends acupuncture for chronic lower back pain, tension headache and migraine, post operative pain and nausea. For further information, fact sheets and research on what other conditions acupuncture can treat effectively please consult the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. However, in my practice I only see patients aged 16+.
3. DOES IT HURT?
It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as I insert and adjust the needle. However, acupuncture needles are so fine that many people don’t feel them being inserted. If you do feel any discomfort please let me know. I can adjust or remove that particular needle so that you feel comfortable. While the needles are in place, many people feel relaxed and even fall asleep.
4. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
When performed by a trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is considered safe. The needles are single-use, sterile and disposable, reducing the risk of infection. In rare cases, some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness, bruising, mild tiredness or slight nausea. Any side effects that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. To help me ensure that there are no unwanted side effects, please let me know whether you are taking any medication, such as anticoagulants. Also let me know if you feel hot or the room is stuffy, or you are hungry or thirsty.
After you have acupuncture for the first time, it is common to feel a little tired or light-headed directly after treatment. This is a normal treatment reaction and you shouldn’t worry about it. Stay hydrated and refrain from vigorous activity and alcohol for several hours post-treatment.
5. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
At your first visit, we start with a full case history that will allow me to diagnose you - according to Chinese Medicine patterns. I ask you about your current symptoms, treatment you have already received, details of your medical history, diet, digestion, sleeping patterns, emotional state and what you would like to achieve from treatment. This is why your first consultation and treatment last a bit longer, between 75 and 90 minutes.
Subsequent treatments are up to an hour and are all uniquely tailored to you and your response to previous treatment.
During treatment needles are inserted and usually left in place for up to 20-30 minutes depending on the desired effect.
6. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Wear comfortable clothes. Most acupuncture points are on the lower legs or forearms but there are keys points on the lower abdomen and back that I might want to needle too. Granny pants and hairy legs are 100% allowed.
7. HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Response to treatment can differ considerably from person to person.
Most people experience significant changes after just a few treatments, with many experiencing these changes almost immediately, especially from acute conditions. Long-term or more complex conditions will probably require more treatment over a longer period.
As a guideline, I advise to start with four to six treatments and we review your progress at each treatment.
8. HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD I COME?
Initially, I like to see people on a weekly basis. The response to treatment is usually cumulative. As your sense of wellbeing and your symptoms improve, expect the time between treatments to extend. It’s possible to come back afterwards for seasonal tune-ups and maintenance.
9. WILL MY PRIVATE INSURANCE COVER MY TREATMENTS
A number of major insurers cover acupuncture treatments by practitioners registered with the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). Most policies require a referral from a GP or consultant. It is worth checking with your insurer for details.
I am currently registered with Vitality and Aviva that will cover part of my fees.
To find out more, contact me for a free phone consultation
07809 828402