How can Acupuncture help me?

Thanks to its ability to address underlying imbalances in the body Acupuncture can be used to relieve a wide range of conditions. For more details about commonly treated conditions and scientific research regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture visit the Acupuncture page.

How many treatments will I need?

Although every person is different and their health will change at its own pace, I initially recommend a course of 4 to 6 treatments and some people feel the benefits after just one or two treatments. Weekly consultations are more beneficial as the effect of treatment is cumulative. Lifestyle changes can often have an impact on the speed of recovery and will be discussed during consultations. Once your health has stabilised you may find that you benefit from monthly top-up treatments or perhaps a treatment at the change of each season of the year.

How long does each treatment last?

The initial treatment session lasts 90 minutes which will give us the opportunity to go through your health and wellbeing history and to create a treatment plan that specifically suits your individual needs, goals and expectations. Follow-up sessions involve a catch up discussion followed by acupuncture treatment and last 45 minutes.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles bear very little resemblance to the needles used for injections and blood tests and are in fact extremely fine…as fine as a strand of hair! Many patients who do not like needles report that they are surprised to feel almost nothing at all when needles are inserted. When the needles are gently manipulated you may feel a dull ache or tingling sensations which normally fades quickly and patients very often feel relaxed, calm and reenergised after treatment.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments, both conventional and complementary, on offer in the UK. Two independently conducted surveys published in the British Medical Journal in 2001 concluded that the risk of an adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. A further study of 6,000 acupuncture patients in 2003 reported a handful of minor and transient side effects. For example, slight bruising may occasionally occur around the acupuncture point whilst Cupping and Guasha may temporarily mark the skin, however this will usually clear within a day or two.

Should I tell my doctor I’m having Acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be safely used alongside conventional medicine. If you are taking prescribed medication you may wish to inform your doctor that you are having acupuncture treatment. Please also bring details of any prescribed medications to the initial consultation so that this can be factored in to your individual diagnosis.

What should I do before treatment?

Do eat prior to treatment however avoid having a large meal within an hour of your session as the process of digestion may alter the pattern of your pulse and it may be uncomfortable if you need to lie on your stomach. Also, it’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible.

From a scientific perspective how does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical communication molecules such as hormones and neurotransmitters. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s self-regulating homeostatic mechanisms thereby promoting physical and emotional well-being. Furthermore, stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown through MRI scanning to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress (WebMD, Hui 2010)