What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

During your first acupuncture treatment we will have a thorough discussion where I will ask you specific questions about your health and lifestyle. Some of the questions might not seem relevant for the condition you are coming in for, however they are fundamental in building a diagnosis. This will be followed by a physical examination where I will look at your tongue, take your pulses, take your blood pressure, feel your abdomen and potentially feel different channels in your body.

After this, we will have your first treatment. Depending on my diagnosis of you, needles may be left in or inserted and immediately taken out, and I will monitor your pulses through out the treatment.

How many treatments do I need?

Acupuncture is an entirely individual experience and differs for everyone and you can visit your acupuncturist for the same reasons you might visit the GP. Depending on how deep set your condition is, it may require more treatments close together, or less. To begin with I always recommend 4 weekly treatments to gage how your body is responding to treatment and to build a full treatment plan.

The aim of acupuncture is to prevent disease, so most long term patients who are well will still come for acupuncture seasonally for a check over and a boost.

If you are coming for fertility, I treat at any stage, however my advice is always for men and women to come for treatment at least 3 months before starting IVF. Three month preparation is important for optimal impact on egg quality, hormone balance and sperm health.

What do I need to do before or after an acupuncture treatment?

It’s good to have a light meal an hour or so before acupuncture and also to wear loose clothing, although there is commonly a reason to undress if I need to access a point in a location that is hidden underneath.

After acupuncture, it’s best to keep hydrated and stay away from alcohol or stimulants such as coffee as this can sometimes oppose the effects of the treatment.

What will I feel and are there any side effects?

During treatment many people feel a sense of calm and relaxation and sometimes there can be an emotional release. Some people can feel a bit spacey after treatment, this doesn’t last long and if you have driven to your appointment you might just need to wait for 10 minutes before you drive. Rare occasions the needles can leave bruises but they are usually very small and quickly go.

Are there any reasons I can’t have an acupuncture treatment?

No, we are trained to deal with a wide range of health conditions and so, while we may advise you see another health professional along side treatment (e.g. GP, Osteopathy, Herbalist etc.) we will be able to treat you.

Is Acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes! Acupuncture is very safe during pregnancy as it is a gentle but effective treatment. It can help especially with symptoms such as back pain, sickness, low mood, high blood pressure and UTIs. It can also be very effective for preparing you for birth, for turning breech babies and for induction.

Will it hurt?

Everyone feels it slightly differently, sometimes in the areas around where the needles are placed you can feel a heaviness, a pressure or a sensation somewhere else in your body. The insertion of the needle can often feel like a very slight scratch.