Frequently asked questions...
Q: What does it feel like?
A: Acupuncture needles are fine stainless steel needles. They are tapped in through a tube and if there is any sensation it is often described as a tingling or a dull ache. During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs and a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people experience relaxation, improved mood and enhanced sense of wellbeing.
For some conditions acupuncture is more effective when used in conjunction with other TCM techniques such as heat and acupressure.
Q: What happens in a session?
A: In addition to asking questions about your well-being I will take your pulse and look at the shape, colour, and coating of your tongue. I will also note other physical attributes such as skin colour and posture. I will discuss your lifestyle and diet and may make suggestions of lifestyle changes that would support your treatment. You will lie down on a padded treatment couch and I will treat you according to my diagnosis. At the end of the session the needles are painlessly removed.
Q: How will I feel after acupuncture?
A: People usually feel relaxed and calm. You may feel improvement straight away but everyone is different and changes can emerge in the following days. Acupuncture is accumulative and the improvements will generally increase and last longer with more sessions.
Q: What about the needles used?
A: I use pre-sterilised needles which are disposed of immediately after use. This eliminates any risk of infections.
Q: Is it safe?
A: There have been several surveys which have shown that acupuncture is amongst the safest therapies in use in the UK today. Out of 68,000 recorded treatments in two surveys carried out in 2001, there were only 14 minor symptoms such as bruising and the effects were transient.