Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I go for treatment?
During the initial consultation, 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.

Next there will be some simple physical assessments including feeling your pulses on both wrists, looking at your tongue, taking your blood pressure and some simple abdominal palpation.

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.

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.
During treatment, many people experience a deeply relaxing sensation.

How long are the treatments?
The initial consultation can take 1½ to 2 hours. 
Subsequent treatments are 50 minutes to 1 hour.

How many sessions will I need?
Following treatments are recommended for 4-6 weeks for most conditions and then reviewed; frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition. 
As treatment progresses, the interval between treatments lengthens to fortnightly, monthly and then maybe only seasonally.



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.
As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, I am bound by a Code of Practice which states clear guidelines and procedures for Health and Safety.

Does It work?
Acupuncture is increasingly gaining public awareness through clinical trials that show that it is a tried and tested system of medicine.  It is used worldwide as a valid system of healthcare and in the UK the profession is regulated by the British Acupuncture Council thus, a qualified acupuncturist should be registered with this body.

Should my doctor know?
You are not obliged to tell your GP, but if you have been prescribed medication or are undergoing any medical treatment 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.

Can I have other treatments whilst having acupuncture?
Acupuncture is safe to use alongside other complementary medicine and conventional medicine.

Can Acupuncture help me to give up smoking, reduce my drinking or lose weight?
Acupuncture treatment seeks to bring a person’s internal energies into more balance and harmony.  Therefore, acupuncture can be helpful in addressing the underlying emotional issues underpinning any chemical dependency or eating disorder.  Acupuncture can support you to make changes in your lifestyle and behaviour if and when you are ready and willing to do so, but it won’t make the changes for you!