Frequently Asked Questions

This is where you will find most answers. If there should still be any questions left, don’t hesitate to contact us.

General

Acupuncture is a comprehensive medical system that dates back nearly 2 thousand years and encompasses its own diagnostic methods.

A positive model of healing, acupuncture sees pain and illness as a sign that the body is out of balance. This aim of acupuncture is to restore that balance and bring the body back to equilibrium. physical, mental and emotional aspects of a person are interdependent and a typical treatment will take the whole person into consideration. This meants that two people with the same diagnosis received from their GP are likely to receive different acupuncture treatments.

How does acupuncture work?

Specfic acupuncture points are chosen in relation to your symptoms and medical diagnosis. Fine, sterile needles are inserted into the acupuncture point to stimulate a positive and natural chemical response to bring the body into balance.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Lots of people ask, “what does acupuncture feel like?” Acupuncture is different for everyone. The needles are really fine, unlike those you might see your doctor use. Many say that they don’t feel the needle insertion. Whilst others say that they may feel some sensation around the needle site, this can be a feeling of warmth or a tingling.

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture does not cause pain, in fact it relieves it, along with swelling or restricted movement. Most clients report acupuncture to be relaxing, some even fall asleep on the treatment couch while they are receiving their acupuncture treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is really safe when conducted by a degree trained acupuncturist. The needles, like any medical equipment are completely sterile, for single use only and are disposed of at the end of each treatment.

Treatment

What can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can be used for a wide range of symptoms and conditions; most commonly acupuncturists treat fertility, pain and emotional conditions. In reality acupuncture can treat much more than that, often achieving results where western medicine is not able to make a diagnosis. The body is seen as an intricate whole with all organs interlinking and communicating with each other. Therefore other symptoms that may not have ben a priority for a client may also improve, such as sleep or energy.

What can I expect from a typical treatment?

Each treatment is individualised for each patient.

During your first visit a note of your medical history will be taken as well as details of your current health and the reason you sought acupuncture.

Your pulse will be taken, but do be patient, a Chinese medicine pulse is different to the one you will be used to the doctor taking, it provides insight as to how you vital organs are functioning and suggests where the focus should be directed.

Don’t be surprised if you are asked to show your tongue as this too is used to gather further information.

A Treatment plan will be discussed with you at the end of your treatment and you will be able to book your follow up appointment.

Lifestyle and/or dietary advice may be given in line with Traditional Chinese Medicine.

You will be made comfortable on the treatment couch and ultra fine needles will be inserted into acupuncture points designed to enable your recovery.

How many treatments will I need?

It is very difficult to say how many treatments you will require before you feel optimum.

Generally we consider 3 things:
What do you require treating?
How long have you had your condition?
How well do you heal?

Some conditions may respond quicker than others; for example an acute low grade back pain may respond quicker to treatment than chronic spondylosis, whilst both respond extremely well to acupuncture age and ability to heal cannot be excluded when considering response rates.

Treatments are delivered with the intention of helping you recover as quickly as possible

Will I need to undress?

You will want to feel comfortable during your treatment, clients often arrive wearing gym clothes, shorts or leggings. An acupuncturist will work around clothing but may need to access lower limbs, back, stomach etc.

Where do I start?

I recommend booking a complementary discovery call, this is where you and I get to chat all about you, whilst in the comfort of your own home.