Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture uses needles to access specific points on the body, each with different functions, in order to balance the energy in the body. Over the past years there has been increasing research and support in favour of the benefits of acupuncture (see links below for the research on specific conditions).

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The common conditions that we treat in clinic are pain relief, headaches and migraines, digestive issues, menstrual issues, fertility, menopause, emotional and mental health and respiratory conditions. Acupuncture treats the symptoms alongside the root cause of the condition, in order to re-balance the regulation of the whole body.

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Is acupuncture right for me?

Acupuncture can be really beneficial for a wide variety of conditions. It is often used as a preventative treatment as well as curative, to maintain and regulate balance within the body, strengthening your constitution and immune system. We take into account all aspects of your wellbeing and treat according to your symptoms and the various diagnostic techniques which help us to deliver a treatment plan specifically for you.

Is acupuncture safe?

When provided by a qualified and experienced practitioner, acupuncture is a very safe mode of treatment. The needles used are very thin, single-use, sterilised needles, which are disposed of immediately after treatment. We follow strict hygiene procedures as laid out by the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

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Acupuncture is also safe for babies and children and can be very effective for them.

What should I expect from my first session?

The initial consultation will involve taking a full medical history and carrying out some diagnostic techniques, which will be used to compose a tailored treatment plan. The Chinese medicine diagnosis techniques can provide your practitioner with a huge amount of information to assist in making a well-informed diagnosis, they involve taking the pulse in different positions on the wrist, looking at your tongue and feeling certain areas on your stomach. A personalised plan is then compiled, and your first acupuncture treatment will begin.

Follow-up sessions will be slightly shorter although each one will involve a similar diagnostic protocol to assess how you are responding to treatment.

If you are new to acupuncture, please do mention that and I will make sure I talk you through the process as we go.

How should I prepare for my first treatment?

Coming in for your consultation is the first step! It would be helpful if you wore loose fitting clothing so its easier to access points on the arms, legs and stomach or back. Also try not to have a heavy meal too soon before the treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the symptoms that you are looking to treat and your individual constitution. It is likely that we will suggest more regular treatments initially, so we can track progress closely and adapt the treatments as we need. Often with long-standing chronic conditions, more treatments will be required than with an acute condition. Once your condition has stabilised, we will likely suggest maintenance treatments every few weeks to keep you well.

Are there any side effects to treatment?

Acupuncture is very safe and has very few side effects. Due to the nature of the treatment there is a small chance that you may experience some bruising at the site of the needle insertion, although this is quite rare. If you receive cupping as part of your treatment, you will more likely have bruise marks at the site of treatment. These are not painful and clear up within a few days. If you have any concerns you are always welcome to call me to discuss.