Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acupuncture?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) a person’s health depends on the body’s motivating energy - Known as Qi (pronounced Chee) - moving in a smooth and balanced way through the meridians
(channels) beneath the skin. Traditional acupuncture takes a
holistic approach, treating the whole person and regaining the
balance between the spiritual, the emotional and the physical side.
Fine needles are inserted into the channels of the Qi energy.
This stimulates the body’s healing process and helps to restore the
body’s natural equilibrium.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years.

What is the difference between TCM and Medical Acupuncture?

Medical Acupuncture is used to supplement other therapies like medicine and physiotherapy and can be learned in a short time of 80 hours. Medical Acupuncture treats a narrow range of physical conditions such as pain and nausea but not the emotions that go with them, or the reasons the conditions have appeared.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Research shows that Acupuncture is very safe. Minor bleeding or bruising may occur in a small number of people. All qualified acupuncturists are trained in the correct practice of Acupuncture. All members of the BAcC are bound by strict codes of safe practice, ethical and professional conduct and stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation approved by the Department of Health.

What are Acupuncture needles like?

Acupuncture needles are solid and slightly wider than a human hair. All needles are sterile and used only once.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

When inserted properly acupuncture needles should not hurt. You will feel the needle being inserted into the skin but you won’t feel pain. Lots of people find Acupuncture very relaxing and fall asleep during treatment.

How many needles are used per session?
Usually between 10 to 20 needles may be used per acupuncture session.

How long will each treatment last?

Treatment length can vary dependant on the condition being treated.
Normal length would be between 45 and 60 minutes.

How many Acupuncture treatments will it take before I begin to feel better?

This will depend on the condition you are being treated for.
If you have an acute condition like a bad back you may feel the benefits after one session but a chronic condition may take many more.

What should I wear?

On your first visit try to wear loose fitting clothing that can be rolled up to above the elbow and above the knee. Most Acupuncture needles are inserted into the arms and hands and legs and feet.
The acupuncturist will advise what is suitable for future treatments.

How often will I have to come for treatment?

As before this will depend on the condition being treated. You may only need to have one treatment per week other conditions may need two or three to begin with. When the ailment or condition is cleared or improved a maintenance program is discussed to avoid recurrence where applicable.

What is the cost of treatment?

There is no charge for your first visit so that a patient history can be taken and so you can decide whether acupuncture is for you.