1. Does Acupuncture hurt?
Most people's experience of needles is of those used for injections or blood
tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much
finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the
sensation is often described as tingling or a dull ache.
2. How often will I need Acupuncture treatments
In traditional acupuncture philosophy each person is considered and treated
as unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the
individual. Normally you are required to visit once or twice a week at
first, although some conditions may require less frequent visits. Sometimes
the effects of treatment are quite dramatic, and only two or three
treatments are required. With other patients the effects are more subtle and
they may need treatment over several months.
3. Is Acupuncture safe?
All members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) must observe a Code of
Safe Practice, which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and
sterilisation of equipment. These procedures have been approved by the
department of health and all needles are individually wrapped in sterile
blister packs and are disposed of after each use.
4. How does Acupuncture work?
Fine needles are inserted at points around the body to stimulate or suppress
the flow of "Qi" - the enigmatic life force sometimes described as
"electro-chemical" or "electro-magnetic" energy. There are about 500
acupoints along 12 energy channels also known as 'Meridians'. Acupuncture
aims to restore the balance qi - a state of equilibrium when Yin and Yang
are in harmony and qi flows freely.
5. What will happen on my first visit to the clinic?
Your first consultation will be longer than consequent ones as a full
assessment will be made to enable the practitioner to diagnose the pattern
of disharmony to give you the most effective treatment possible. You will be
asked about your current symptoms and what treatments you may have
previously received. You will also be asked about your medical history and
that of your close family. The practitioner will also ask you about diet,
digestive system, sleeping patterns and general emotional state and well
being.
The practitioner will then feel the Ulna pulse in both wrists and examine
the structure, colour and coating of your tongue as these are a good guide
to physical health.
Once the consultation has been completed a treatment plan will be selected
and treatment given using Acupuncture and any other Chinese therapy that may
be appropriate such as cupping and moxabustion or even electro-acupuncture
therapy.
6. What should I do before treatment?
- Wear lose and
comfortable clothing when attending the clinic
- Avoid eating a
large meal at least one hour before treatment.
- Avoid alcohol,
caffeine and smoking before treatment
- Avoid any food
that may discolour the natural colour of the coating on your tongue, also please
avoid scrapping of the tongue coating before treatment
