FAQ
How does traditional acupuncture work?
There is increasing modern scientific evidence showing the effects of acupuncture on the body.
To date it has been shown to:
To date it has been shown to:
- Stimulate sensory nerves which transmit information from the body to the brain.
- Stimulate the release of painkilling neuropeptides
- Increase interstitial adenosine concentration, helping to relieve pain and inflammation and encourage tissue healing.
- Rebalance the endocrine system
- Rebalance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
Is traditional acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture has been shown to be very safe when carried out by a properly qualified practitioner. A York University study published in the British Medical Journal found a risk of less than 0.2% of minor adverse events following over 34,000 acupuncture treatments, with not a single serious adverse event.
If you decide to try acupuncture treatment, it is important to make sure you consult a properly trained practitioner. All members of the British Acupuncture Council are trained to at least degree level. They are required to follow a clearly defined Code of Practice and to regularly take part in continual professional development.
If you decide to try acupuncture treatment, it is important to make sure you consult a properly trained practitioner. All members of the British Acupuncture Council are trained to at least degree level. They are required to follow a clearly defined Code of Practice and to regularly take part in continual professional development.
Does acupuncture treatment hurt?
The needles used in acupuncture treatment are much finer than those your doctor or nurse uses to administer injections. What you feel on needle insertion may vary, depending on your own sensitivity. Once inserted, the needles may be stimulated to aid treatment. This may cause an aching or tingling sensation.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies from patient to patient and depending on how long you have experienced the symptoms for which you are seeking help. Generally speaking, more chronic conditions require longer term treatment than those which are more acute.
The individual nature of traditional acupuncture means that the frequency and number of treatments would be reviewed with you as you progress. Following initial improvement, many patients choose to continue acupuncture treatment in the longer term with less frequency (eg. once per month), in order to maintain the benefits they have experienced.
The individual nature of traditional acupuncture means that the frequency and number of treatments would be reviewed with you as you progress. Following initial improvement, many patients choose to continue acupuncture treatment in the longer term with less frequency (eg. once per month), in order to maintain the benefits they have experienced.
Should I tell my GP?
This is entirely up to you, but we would recommend that you do so, especially if you are receiving treatment from your GP or are taking any medication.
What should I do before coming for treatment?
It is important not to have acupuncture treatment on an empty stomach as this can cause dizziness, but you should not eat a large meal within one hour of your appointment.
You must not consume alcohol before your treatment. If you are seeking treatment for a pain condition, it is advisable not to consume caffeinated drinks before treatment.
You must not consume alcohol before your treatment. If you are seeking treatment for a pain condition, it is advisable not to consume caffeinated drinks before treatment.
What can I expect when I come for treatment?
At your first appointment Jill will complete a detailed consultation covering aspects of your current health and health history and may also carry out a tongue and pulse diagnosis. Based on the information obtained, Jill will devise an individual treatment plan and will discuss with you the number and frequency of sessions which may be required and any questions or concerns you may have, before carrying out an initial treatment.
In addition to acupuncture, other treatments may be offered, including gua sha, cupping and moxibustion (a herb which is used to warm areas of the body).
At follow up appointments Jill will take an update on your symptoms and will adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
These appointments will last approx 45 minutes – 1 hour
In addition to acupuncture, other treatments may be offered, including gua sha, cupping and moxibustion (a herb which is used to warm areas of the body).
At follow up appointments Jill will take an update on your symptoms and will adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
These appointments will last approx 45 minutes – 1 hour
What modern scientific evidence is there to support acupuncture treatment?
There is a growing body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture. For example a major study published in 2012* found acupuncture to be effective for the treatment of a range of pain conditions. More recently, the Acupuncture Evidence Project, a review of clinical trials of acupuncture published in 2017**, found strong positive evidence of effectiveness for the following conditions:
low back pain
knee osteoarthritis
post-operative pain
migraine prevention
headache
allergic rhinitis
chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting
post-operative nausea and vomiting
In total, some evidence of effectiveness was found for over 100 conditions, so whatever your symptoms, it is worth investigating the possibility of acupuncture treatment.
*Vickers A. et al, 2012 ‘Acupuncture for Chronic Pain’ Archives of Internal Medicine 172(19)
**McDonald J, Janz S, 2017 ‘Acupuncture Evidence Project’ AACMA
low back pain
knee osteoarthritis
post-operative pain
migraine prevention
headache
allergic rhinitis
chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting
post-operative nausea and vomiting
In total, some evidence of effectiveness was found for over 100 conditions, so whatever your symptoms, it is worth investigating the possibility of acupuncture treatment.
*Vickers A. et al, 2012 ‘Acupuncture for Chronic Pain’ Archives of Internal Medicine 172(19)
**McDonald J, Janz S, 2017 ‘Acupuncture Evidence Project’ AACMA