Who has acupuncture?

Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions, and some because they simply feel generally unwell. Others choose acupuncture to enhance their feeling of wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine.

What happens when I go for treatment?

Your first appointment will involve the taking of a full case history where you will be asked about your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and your emotional state. The acupuncturist is also likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, and may ask to look at your tongue. This initial session is in order for me to fully understand all that is going on in your body and where there are any imbalances in the energy flow so that I can tailor your treatment specifically for your needs. Your first consultation lasts for 1 ½ hours and includes a treatment. The acupuncture points that are used in your treatment are chosen to ring balance and harmony to your body 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.

What should I do before treatment?
Is it best not to have a big meal within an hour before your appointment, but a small snack is recommended so you are not hungry before your treatment. Ideally alcohol needs to be avoided  for 24 hours after your treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

This is a difficult question to answer as everyone responds in their own unique way to acupuncture treatment.

Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition and factors such as how long you have had the problem and the nature of the condition. Some change is usually felt after four to five treatments, although occasionally only one or two treatments are required. Some patients may need treatment over several months or long-term. Depending on your condition and how acute your symptoms are you will normally be asked to come for treatment once or twice a week until there is an improvement in your symptoms and then treatment may be spread out to fortnightly and then monthly. A course of 6 treatments is recommended to balance the body’s energies and to evaluate who acupuncture can help you.

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 and no medication should be discontinued unless under guidance from 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 and treatment is relatively pain free. When the needles are  inserted there is usually no sensation as the needle enters the skin and once the needle connects with your energy a specific sensation is felt that is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Once the needles are inserted most people experience a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing during the remaining of the treatment.