Common questions

Who needs acupuncture?

Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions, and some because they simply feel generally unwell. Others use acupuncture preventatively to maintain good health. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children and can be used alongside conventional medicine.

What happens when I go for treatment?

You will be asked about your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. Your pulses will be felt on both wrists and your tongue will be observed. Depending on your complaint other forms of body diagnosis may be used, for example, in the context of back pain, posture and range of movement will be observed and the musculature and underlying structures of the back will be palpated. A thorough analysis of all these aspects of diagnosis then informs the acupuncture prescription individual to you. Usually 3 to 9 needles are used and retained for 20 minutes.

The acupuncture points used are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the problem. For example, although you might suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.

How many sessions will I need?

Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition. Some change is usually felt after five treatments, although sometimes after only one or two treatments. Some patients may need treatment over several months or long-term especially in the context of chronic conditions or pain management. You will normally be asked to come once a week for the first month.

After their symptoms have resolved many patients choose to have a regular ?tune up? each season, to maintain their health or they may return for a couple of treatments if they feel their symptoms returning.

Should my doctor know?

If you have been prescribed medication it makes sense to tell your doctor that you are planning to have acupuncture. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture may also be used to reduce the amount of or stop certain medications/drugs being used. This process should involve your doctor.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture has a very sound track record. The needles used are single-use, sterile and disposable. Responses to treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness, and on occasion minor bruising may occur. However, all such reactions are short-lived.

What does it feel like?

Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.

What can acupuncture do for me?

Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms, from clearly defined complaints such as headaches, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, allergies, gynaecological problems and neck, back and dental pain, through to more general feelings of ill health such as stress and emotional issues, digestive problems or low energy.

Acupuncture is used in the treatment of a variety of conditions and in conjunction with western medicine to both enhance its benefits and minimise side effects, for example with IVF, chemotherapy and pre or post-operatively. Increasingly women are choosing to have acupuncture to assist conception, to support them throughout pregnancy, labour and after giving birth and to treat menopausal symptoms.

Acupuncture can also be particularly effective when used alongside other therapies, from its traditional use in conjunction with herbal medicine, massage and dietary therapy, to osteopathic and chiropractic treatment.