Commonly Asked Questions About Acupuncture
Click on the commonly asked questions below to view the answers.
- Who has acupuncture?
- What happens when I come for a treatment?
- How many sessions will I need?
- Should I let my doctor know?
- What if I am using alternative remidies?
- Is it safe?
- What can I expect to feel?
Many people decide to have some acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. These may be acute, of sudden onset, or of longer duration without drastically affecting their lives but leaving them feeling below their optimum. Others chose acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, or maintain wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children. It can also be used successfully alongside conventional medical treatments.
What happens when I come for a treatment?
Treatments always start with a Diagnostic Consultation. This usually lasts for one to one and a half hours and includes your first treatment. Confidentiality is always respected. Chinese medical diagnosis is based upon taking the pulse, looking at the tongue. On the basis of the consultation, it is possible to give recommendation for treatment frequency and duration. Some people are seen once or twice weekly, others less often.
How many sessions will I need?
Sometimes conditions can be addressed in two or three treatments; others require a different approach over a longer span of time. Each person is different and the focus of treatment is to match the clinical requirements. Once symptoms are better, people often decide to continue treatment to address other issues or to maintain their wellbeing. This may be relatively infrequently, for example when the seasons change during the year.
If you are taking prescribed medication, it is sensible to inform your GP that you are having acupuncture. I will ask if you are taking any medicines or have been in the past, as this is an important factor in planning treatments. The effect of the medication is important to know about during diagnosis to ensure accurate treatments as well as treatment scheduling.
What if I am using alternative remidies?
Acupuncture works well alongside most complementary therapies. It is a good idea to inform all practitioners about the treatments you are having.
Acupuncture is generally considered to be very safe. Research shows that serious side effects are very rare, less than one per 10,000 treatments. The needles used are sterile, used once only and then disposed of safely.
During treatments people report feeling calmness and a feeling of deep relaxation. When needles are inserted, the sensation is often one of warmth, tingling or a dull ache. Occasionally people feel things in other parts of their bodies. Needles are not necessarily inserted into the part of the body with the symptoms. For example, a headache may be treated using needles in the hands or feet.
For more information or to arrange an appointment contact us on 07709 896140 or alternatively email lesley@atcnewbury.co.uk. Ask about our introductory offer at the time of booking.
