HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

In Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi. Qi can be described as a form of energy that runs along pathways in the body, called meridians. If Qi gets blocked, it shows up as an imbalance or illness. In simple terms, if you have a health condition, some part of your body’s system is out of alignment. Chinese medical theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance and rebalance it.

In Western medical theory, acupuncture appears to work by stimulating parts of the brain. It also stimulates the body to release natural biomolecules such as neurotransmitters, vasodilators, and hormones. The exact mechanisms which bring this about are unknown, but the effects are measurable (as seen by thermal imaging, MRI and Doppler ultrasound).

CAN I HAVE ACUPUNCTURE ALONGSIDE OTHER HOLISTIC THERAPIES?

Yes. Acupuncture compliments many holistic and natural therapies such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, reiki, etc.

CAN I HAVE ACUPUNCTURE ALONGSIDE OTHER TREATMENT SUCH AS IVF?

Yes. Acupuncture is a very safe treatment and in fact, many conventional treatments such as IVF are paired with acupuncture to improve results. It’s always good practice to let your GP or Specialist know about treatments you are taking, be it acupuncture or anything else.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE FIRST VISIT?

The initial consultation will be longer. As I am creating an individual treatment, I need to get to know you and your lifestyle. We will also discuss your medical history and any medications or supplements that you may be taking. Some of the questions may seem unrelated to your condition, however, in Traditional Chinese Medicine there may be a link, and it will help me understand the whole picture better.

I may also look at your tongue and take the pulses of both wrists as part of my diagnostics. So please do not brush your tongue on the day of the consultation.

I will ask you to fill out some basic information and consent forms

This will all take roughly 1h30min*, including the acupuncture treatment. The needles will be in for roughly 20 minutes. If using another therapy, such as moxa, cupping or guasha, I will discuss this with you before the treatment.

*(Note: If required, I can split the initial consultation into a 45 minute phone consultation followed by a 45min in-person treatment session).

SHOULD I BRING ANYTHING WITH ME?

It would help if you can bring a list of medication and supplements, should you be taking any.

SHOULD I EAT BEFOREHAND?

Yes, it’s best not to come hungry. However, I would not recommend having a big meal either. You can have something light and come hydrated. If possible, do not drink any alcohol on the day of the treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

You can wear whatever you like but ideally, comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, so I can access shins, forearms and abdomen easily, as these are the areas mostly needled (but not always). If not possible (e.g. coming straight from work) or you need to take off any items of clothing, you can do this privately and you’ll have towels too, so only the parts that I will needle are exposed. Feeling comfortable enough so you completely relax is very helpful to gain the most from your treatment.

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE FEEL LIKE / DOES IT HURT?

Each person’s experience is different. The needles are very fine and sometimes they are not even felt going in, and although some areas are more sensitive, the prick sensation should go soon after inserted. Once the needles are in and they start having an effect, you may feel tingling, numbness or heaviness. Most people feel very relaxed and it’s normal to fall asleep while the needles are in.

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?

Yes, acupuncture is safe if practiced well, so look for an ATCM or BAcC registered practitioner (which I am), as they follow strict practice guidelines.

The needles are steel and sterile, packed individually and they are only used once.

CAN I HAVE ACUPUNCTURE WHILE I AM PREGNANT?

Acupuncture is really good at helping the body at all stages of pregnancy, so yes, pregnant women can definitely have acupuncture. It is important that you make me aware if you are pregnant, as I’ll vary the treatment accordingly.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE TREATMENT?

Do your best to drink enough – it helps to flush the system and get the blood flowing. Warm water is ideal if you can.

Try to avoid heavy exercise and stressful events.

Meals that are easy to digest (warm and cooked) are best. Try to avoid fried foods, very spicy meals and alcohol.

I FEEL VERY TIRED AFTER THE TREATMENTS – IS THIS NORMAL?

People respond to treatments very differently, but feeling tired temporarily is quite common, especially if you are starting acupuncture. It’s actually a very positive sign. If you can, get comfortable and rest.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TREATMENT?

Generally, it will be weekly or fortnightly sessions at the beginning and then the treatments can be spaced further apart depending on the progress.

HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE LAST?

It depends on why you are having acupuncture. Acute conditions such as a sprain injury resolve quicker than chronic ones such as asthma or IBS. As the positive effects start to last longer we can then space sessions further and further apart.

IS IT NORMAL FOR THE ACUPUNCTURE POINTS TO FEEL TENDER AFTER TREATMENT?

Yes, tenderness can sometimes occur after treatment. As things regulate, tenderness won’t be as common.

CAN I CONTACT YOU BEFORE MAKING AN APPOINTMENT?

Of course. For many of my patients, it is their first time seeing an acupuncturist. You may have questions or concerns and if it would help to have a quick telephone chat then please do make contact with me. There is no charge for this.

CAN I PHONE/EMAIL YOU BETWEEN APPOINTMENTS?

Of course. Between appointments you’ll always find me contactable, in case you have doubts, queries or questions. I firmly believe in this patient/practitioner link, particularly if you are new to acupuncture, or if you are going through any lifestyle or dietary changes. Just knowing you can email or phone can be very reassuring for patients.

DO YOU OFFER WEEKEND / EVENING APPOINTMENTS

Yes, I do.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Card and cash payments