What would you like to know?
Before considering acupuncture, it’s normal to have some questions about how it works, how it can benefit you, and what your appointment will be like. On this page, I’ve answered some of the most common questions clients ask me before starting treatment.
How can Acupuncture help me?
Acupuncture is a way to balance health with the insertion of needles into specific points of the body. It is widely accepted to help many conditions that impair a sense of wellbeing, from lack of energy to feeling unwell with acute or chronic illnesses.
Is acupuncture safe?
Each needle is a single use sterilized needle and practitioners of Acupuncture must undergo rigorous training to qualify to assist you with your health.
Can it help babies, children and teenagers?
Yes, young people can respond well to treatment.
Why have acupuncture?
Many people use acupuncture to help with certain health challenges and conditions. Others choose acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution or because they just feel generally unwell.
Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. It can also be integrated with Western medicine. Most acupuncturists have extensive understanding of modern medicine.
Can it relieve pain?
Many trials have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture in dealing with back pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, toothache and many more conditions. Contact me to see if your condition can be improved with treatment.
How long is an appointment?
The first consultation is usually the longest one, up to an hour and a half as I will need to take a full case paper and some body diagnosis.
Please come dressed in soft stretchy clothes or loose clothing so I can access your arms and legs comfortably.
How many appointments will I need?
That is depending on your condition and I will work with you to advise a course of treatment.
Acute conditions that have arisen suddenly may pass quickly and long term chronic conditions may need more treatments to get to the root and clear the energetic pathways.
What can I expect to feel after the treatment?
Drowsiness can occur occasionally after a treatment, but mostly you would expect to feel a sense of wellbeing. If you do feel drowsy, take a few minutes to recover before driving home. Sometimes the symptoms can flare up as any blockage in the flow of energy clears.
What should I do after a treatment?
I recommend that you take some rest that day and for the sake of the energetic shift of the treatment it is probably not advisable to drink alcohol or do exercise intensely. Take the day as part of the healing process and enjoy good food and some rest.
Does acupuncture affect my medication?
You can continue to take any medication before and after acupuncture treatment, as they are complementary.
In some cases, the benefits of acupuncture can help you to reduce and even stop taking medication, but you should only reduce your medication after a discussion with your doctor.
How big are the needles and does it hurt?
The needles are single use sterilized micro thin purpose made and are inserted into specific points of the body. Some points are more tender than others and I will always warn if I am going to use those points.
Many patients feel a slight sensation on needle insertion which passes soon after as the energy moves.
Can the cost of treatment be covered by my medical insurance?
That depends on the insurer. It is best to go to them and ask, some may ask for referral from the GP.
Most insurers will pay out to members of the British Acupuncture Council and therefore if your insurer will cover the cost of treatment, coming to see me will be covered.