Frequently Asked Questions
1) What happens during my first session?
- The consultation lasts for approx. one and a half hours. Subsequent sessions last for an hour. The purpose of the consultation is to gather enough information about you in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony which is causing you your current health problems.
- At the start of the consultation your current symptoms are discussed and it is established how you want acupuncture treatment to help you.
- Following this, your medical history is taken and then questions are asked to assess your health in general, ( sleep, appetite, digestion, bowels etc.)
- After this, some time is spent discussing how you are coping in life in general and whether you are under any particular strains or stresses.
- The next stage is then to have a look at your tongue (features such as structure, colour and coating gives a good guide to your physical health). To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, I will feel your pulses on both wrists, and will record certain qualities such as rate, rhythm and strength.
- At the end of the session the patient receives some treatment. Energy channels are selected to treat the underlying pattern of disharmony which is causing you your health problem. After a course of acupuncture treatment, patients experience a boost in their overall energy and vitality as well as a significant improvement in their specific complaint.
2) Does it hurt?
- Fear not, the needles used for acupuncture bear no resemblance to those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles are very fine and when inserted, the sensation is often described as tingling or a dull ache. Other sensations such as ‘tugging’ or ‘pulling’ have been described. Needles are inserted either for a few seconds or left in place for up to 20-30 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in their limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
3) What will I notice after treatment?
- After treatment people usually feel more relaxed and calm and experience an improvement in the symptom they are receiving acupuncture treatment for. If it is possible, it is good to rest for a couple of hours after treatment, and avoid doing anything stressful or demanding.
- A lot of people who have a course of acupuncture treatment also experience other
positive benefits:
- Improved sleep
- Better appetite
- Increased energy levels and vitality
- Feeling more relaxed and confident
- Feeling able to deal with stressful situations more easily.
4) How many treatments will I need?
Acupuncture honours the uniqueness of each individual, therefore the time it takes for symptoms to improve varies from person to person. A course of treatment is always required as it is not a one session miracle cure! Sometimes with acute problems the effects of treatment are dramatic, and only a few treatments are required. With chronic conditions where the symptom has persisted for a long time, improvement will be more gradual. Visits are normally on a weekly basis but then as symptoms improve, treatments are more spread out.
5) Is it safe and what about the needles?
As a member of the British Acupuncture Council I observe the Code of Safe Practise which defines the hygiene and safety standards relating to the practise of acupuncture. The Code of Safe Practise is available for download from the British Acupuncture Council website. The procedures have been approved by the Department of Health, and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases. Patients who have been treated by a BAcC member are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service.
In the respect of needles, I again observe the Code of safe practise and use single use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of after each treatment.
6) Can I claim health insurance?
Some private health insurance policies cover acupuncture treatments. It is wise to check the criteria that must be met for reimbursement.
7) Should I let my doctor know ?
If you are currently seeing your doctor about a health problem and have decided to start acupuncture treatment for the same problem then it makes sense to let your doctor know. If you are currently on prescribed medication for your symptoms, acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication. However, your doctor should always be consulted regarding any change in prescription.
|