YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE

What does it feel like?
How many treatments will I need?
How long is a treatment?
How should I prepare for a treatment?
What's a treatment like?
How does it work?
How will I feel after treatment?
Are there any side effects?
How can acupuncture help me?

What does it feel like?

Many people who have never had acupuncture before are naturally concerned at the thought of having needles inserted into their body. It is important to remember that the needles used are usually as fine as a hair and very different from needles conventionally used to give injections or take blood. Also acupuncture does not usually hurt – it usually gives rise to a needling sensation but this is rarely described as ‘pain’. Many patients choose not to look at the needles as they are inserted and this can help them to relax.

The response to the stimulus of the needles varies from patient to patient. You may feel a slight prick as the needle first punctures the skin. Many people describe the sensation that follows as a “dragging” or “slight aching” sensation. This is usually short lived, only lasting while the energy flows around that point.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required to address initial health concerns will vary from person to person, according to their diagnosis and the general state of their energy as well as their short and longer-term goals. As a rule of thumb, longer-standing conditions take longer to treat, but this does not necessary apply to every patient. Sometimes symptoms disappear immediately after treatment, but it is more common for them to gradually change and improve over time as the course of treatment progresses.

Initially, it is best to commit to a course of around 6 weekly treatments to kick start your body’s own healing and help re-establish the balance of your energies. Some patients do not need to complete the course. Many others choose to continue their treatment, perhaps with longer intervals between treatments, after their initial health concerns have improved. The aim of treatment is to allow your body to maintain its own internal balance without continual treatment. However, the benefits of acupuncture can be more pervasive and many people continue with occasional treatment over a longer period to help them cope with the effect of day-to-day life on their general well-being.

How long is a treatment?

The needles may be left in place for a short period of time (usually up to 20 minutes), or for a second and then removed immediately, depending on your needs.

The treatment itself will last between 30 and 45 minutes. The position and number of points used will depend on your diagnosis and other factors such as your age, energy levels, build and sensitivity to treatment.

How should I prepare for a treatment?

It is not advisable to come for treatment not having eaten for several hours. If necessary, have a light snack before your appointment. Also, if it forms part of your dental hygeine routine, please do NOT brush your tongue the night before and morning of your treatment. Sometimes you may be asked to refrain from wearing make up or perfumed products for subsequent treatments, to aid the diagnostic process. It also helps if you make a note of any medical conditions (e.g. epilepsy, allergic reactions, diabetes, high blood pressure etc) that you have and the details of any medication you are taking and bring it with you to your treatment.

What’s a treatment like?

At your first treatment, Shereen will take a detailed and comprehensive medical history. She will also feel your pulses (six on each wrist) and ask to look at your tongue for diagnostic signs.

This comprehensive Chinese Medical diagnosis will involve an assessment of your individual physical, emotional and spiritual health. The focus is on you as an individual, rather than your disease or symptoms.

Treatment principles and points will then be individually selected to meet your needs. The points chosen to place the needles may not be physically close to the area of your body where your symptoms occur.

At your next appointment, you will have the chance to discuss your health and symptoms again and your pulses and tongue will be read once more to monitor your progress.

How does it work?

In short, no one really understands the complex processes that take place in response to acupuncture. However, there is much on-going research into this question.

What we do know is that acupuncture as a part of a system of medicine has been used for over 2,000 years in several countries, and, that patients continue to attribute their recovery and good health to regular acupuncture treatment.

Many patients enjoy and benefit from the experience of having acupuncture without necessarily understanding or believing in the theory behind it.

How will I feel after treatment?

Some patients feel an invigorating surge of energy during the treatment. Others can feel slightly tired during treatment. Many patients report a feeling of relaxation and internal balance.

It is also perfectly “normal” not to feel anything during treatment. Your response to treatment will be as unique as you are.

It is advisable to avoid any strenuous activity straight after your treatment (e.g. vigorous exercise or driving long distances) and also to refrain from drinking alcohol straight after a treatment."

Are there any side effects?

In some cases, symptoms change before improving. In rare instances, they may be temporarily aggravated before improving with acupuncture. This is usually part of the adjustment of your energetic balance and is soon followed by an improvement in your condition.

How can acupuncture help me?

Acupuncture has a reputation for helping to relieve acute painful conditions such as arthritis and back ache.

Acupuncture is gaining a reputation of effectiveness in treating infertility, menstrual problems and women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Acupuncture has also helped many people suffering from addictions, depression and other mental/emotional conditions.

Acupuncture can help you to stay well, keep your energies balanced, remain centred and boost your energy levels..

If you have any other questions that are not covered here, please contact Shereen and she will be happy to help.

To speak to Shereen about acupuncture call +44 (0) 777 333 2864
or click here to send her an email.