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OUR FAQS
Never had acupuncture before?
This will give you an idea of what to expect during a treatment. If you still have questions, please feel free to get in touch
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A TREATMENT
During your first treatment, we will spend time on discussing your reason for coming to see us, your past medical history, and any medications you maybe taking. We will also ask you questions which you feel don't have anything to do with why you want treatment. For example, how you sleep, if you wee a lot, if you get thirsty, if you feel hot or cold etc. This helps us get a whole picture of you and how things are getting on inside. We will also ask to look at your tongue (sorry - its a must, and we're not grossed out by it at all), please don't brush your tongue before coming to see us, it’s the coating - if you have one - that we are trying to see. We will feel for subtle differences and changes in your pulses (at both wrists).
We will ask you to lie down, and we will insert needles where we think appropriate. We may also do cupping or tui na massage. You can chat to us while we are working on you, but if you don't want to, that's fine too - it's your time!
The needles will stay in anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. Then that's it - you're done until next time.
During follow-up appointments, we always begin by finding out how things have been since your last treatment, check your tongue and pulses again, and then begin treatment.
ARE THERE ANY REASONS I SHOULDN'T HAVE ACUPUNCTURE?
There are no conditions that would preclude you from having acupuncture, although it is very important to give us a detailed history of any conditions, and medical treatment received. It is also very important to tell us any medications you may be taking, both prescribed and over the counter. It might be useful to write these down and bring along with you.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition. Some people require one or two treatments, while others may need around five to feel a true change.
Some patients may need treatment over several months. We would usually ask to see you once a week at first.
It is also worthwhile considering that the longer you have had a condition, it makes sense that it will take longer to feel lasting relief.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? WILL I NEED TO GET UNDRESSED?
You should try and wear loose and comfortable clothing, which can easily be rolled up, so we can get access to your knees and elbows. Depending on your reason for coming to see us, we may need you to remove some clothing. Your comfort is very important to us, and we will ensure your modesty at all times.
WHAT TRAINING HAVE YOU HAD?
All Acupuncturists in the UK who are registered with the British Acupuncture Council must meet rigorous training conditions. Most are educated to Degree or Masters level, and must also undertake a minimum of 30 hours per year of Continuous Professional Development.
I'VE HAD ACUPUNCTURE FROM MY PHYSIO / CHIROPRACTOR - IS IT THE SAME?
It's not exactly same. It is similar in that they insert needles into your body, however, they tend to insert needles only where you feel specific pain. They do not use the same diagnostic tools as traditionally trained acupuncturists, and do not treat you as a "whole", instead they treat the pain.
CAN I CLAIM ON MY HEALTH INSURANCE?
That depends upon your insurer. As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for acupuncture.
However, as a registered member of The British Acupuncture Council, if your insurance company does cover acupuncture, then we are qualified to provide. In some instances you may need a referral from your GP.
You should check your individual policy details.
SHOULD I TELL MY DOCTOR I'M HAVING ACUPUNCTURE?
There is no specific reason why you need to tell your doctor you are considering having acupuncture, however, if you are taking regularly prescribed medication, it makes sense to let them know.