The needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine – about the width of a hair. Most people feel nothing when the needle is inserted but may feel a dull ache or tingling when the needle is in-situ. This is a good sign as it means the body is reacting and the Qi has started to move.
This will depend on the nature of your complaint. Acute problems such as a recent injury usually respond very quickly but more long term, chronic problems will require more treatments. We will assess and discuss your progress together at each treatment, but please get in touch to discuss your specific problem and I will be able to give you a clearer idea.
Acupuncture is an holistic form of medicine so can help with many illnesses, physical, emotional and mental. For a full list of complaints acupuncture may help with please follow the link to the British Acupuncture Council https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/fact-sheets/
The first appointment will involve many questions on your health as a whole. Some of these questions may appear to have little to do with your problem, but it will help to build up a clear picture of what is happening in your body and will allow me to make a diagnosis. In addition to the questions I will also look at your tongue and take your pulses. These again give me more information to aid diagnosis.
I will then insert the acupuncture needles into specific points on the body.These may be local to the area of your problem and some may be away from the area. You will then be left to rest for 20-30 minutes before the needles are removed. Many patients find this a very relaxing procedure and feel a sense of calm.
Subsequent appointments will not be as long but will still involve my checking your tongue, pulses and how you are. The acupuncture points used can vary from session to session depending on how you are responding to treatment.
Acupuncture is an extremely safe form of treatment when delivered by an appropriately trained practitioner. There may occasionally be a tiny bruise from where a needle was inserted or a person may feel slightly dizzy after treatment but this will usually pass quite quickly. A feeling of calm and relaxation are the most common side effects!
Loose fitting clothes are usually the easiest as some of the acupuncture points commonly used are on legs, arms and abdomen. Please be assured that if you are required to remove any item of clothing you will be covered as much as possible and your dignity will be respected at all times.
Unfortunately acupuncture is not widely used in the NHS, although some hospital physiotherapists use a from of acupuncture known as “dry needling” to treat injuries. It is also used in some NHS cancer units to treat patients for the side effects from chemo therapy.
Absolutely! Many people use acupuncture to help achieve and maintain good health. It can help with overall well being and relaxation.