Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why acupuncture?
The Chinese and other eastern countries have been using acupuncture to restore, promote and maintain health, for over two thousand years. It treats people as individuals, uses minimal intervention and seeks the root cause of disharmony, treating it at its origin. It is established as safe and highly effective and is increasingly validated by modern research. It is commonly used alongside conventional medicine.
2. How does it work?
Acupuncture uses tiny needles to stimulate an underlying energetic structure that governs the body’s physiological processes. This energetic structure is a web of ‘Qi’ that interconnects the body in the same way the blood vessels do. ‘Qi’ and ‘Blood’ work together to nourish mind, body and spirit. Symptoms are reflections of imbalances within this circulation of ‘Qi and Blood’.
Acupuncture stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin. These are chemicals in the brain responsible for well-being and happiness.
3. Does it hurt?
The needles are extremely thin. Many of the points you won’t even feel. There are some points that feel sharp as the needles goes in but even with these the sensation passes very quickly. A treatment will often only require two or three needles and the sensation is often described as a ‘tingling’ or ‘a dull ache’.
Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.
4. Are the needles safe?
All acupuncture needles are single-use and sterile.
5. When is it advisable to have treatment?
Acupuncture is advised at least three or four times a year to help prevent illness, ideally at the change of seasons. If you have symptoms then treatment is recommended at least once a month, probably every one to two weeks, until health has been restored.
6. What happens in a treatment
Diagnosis is made from a combination of talking, body diagnosis and from taking the pulse. Points are chosen which are known to redirect and rebalance the distribution of ‘Qi and Blood’. Once inserted the needles will be left in place for about 20 minutes. Treatment may be supplemented with ‘moxa’ (a smouldering herb that adds warmth), massage or suction cups.
Initial consultation & treatment – 1 hour
Follow-on treatments – 40 mins
7. How many treatments will I need?
I normally expect some benefit after a couple of sessions, depending on the nature of treatment but ultimately everyone is different. As a general rule, chronic (long term) conditions require longer to treat with more time between treatments than acute (short term) conditions. Depending on the nature of treatment it may be that you need a short course of treatment or treatment at reasonably regular intervals over a longer period.
8. Am I covered by my health insurance?
Many health policies do include treatment with acupuncture. To find out if yours does, speak to your health insurer directly or contact myself or the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
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