Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture and How it Works

Western scientific research suggests the interaction between fine acupuncture needles and nerves cells, at the site of insertion, stimulates communication between the nervous system and the brain to release chemical messengers or neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, Dopamine, Noradrenaline Gaba and Endorphins (hormones). Neurotransmitters have specific functions, eg: Endorphins (peptide hormones), our body’s ‘natural painkillers’, activate opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect or pain relief. While, Serotonin has a role in mood stabilisation, sleep and digestion. Evidence also suggests acupuncture improves micro circulation, affecting blood flow and the reduction of inflammation and oedema.

From a Classical Chinese medicine perspective, fine needles, inserted at specific acupuncture points, improve the flow of Qi (energy), Blood and Fluids throughout the body via the meridian or channel system. As free flow or equilibrium is restored, both physical and mental symptoms improve. Diagnosis, according to the wrist pulse, tongue and patient symptoms are assessed in terms of deficiency, excess and stagnation. For example, pain is viewed as stagnation or blockage of the channel therefore acupuncture points aimed at dispersion of the blockage would be used.

It is said:

Where there is ‘stagnation’, disperse
Where there is deficiency, tonify
Where there is excess, sedate

Acupuncture is holistic, stimulating the body’s healing response so many find that it is not only their main health complaint that improves but other health issues often resolve as well.

You can find further detailed information about how acupuncture works from a modern scientific and Chinese medicine perspective by visiting the British Acupuncture Council (link in footer).

During your first acupuncture appointment, your acupuncturist will ask what brings you for treatment, what your symptoms are, how your present and previous health has been and what medications you are taking. Additional questions may be asked, some of which may seem unrelated to your current condition but your acupuncturist will be building a picture of your health from a Chinese medicine perspective. Your pulse will also be taken at the wrist and the colour of your tongue noted. (Please don’t scrape your tongue before your appointment as your tongue in a natural state is better for diagnosis).

An individual treatment plan will be created with acupuncture points chosen specifically for your needs. As you relax on the treatment couch, needles (usually between 4 and 10) are gently put in place, where they will stay in for 20 mins. Moxa or infrared heat lamps may also be used to warm the area, this is deeply relaxing.

During follow-up acupuncture appointments, your progress will be reviewed and your pulses and tongue diagnosis repeated to assess if and how your treatment plan should be revised.

Acupuncture needles will be in place for 20 mins, as before, while you relax on the treatment couch.

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment which has a positive, healing effect on many different conditions. Below is a summary of conditions that are regularly treated with acupuncture as a stand alone treatment or, for some conditions, as a supportive treatment.

For detailed information on the evidence and research to support the use of acupuncture for a range of conditions please visit the British Acupuncture Council website BacC. (Link in footer).

Acne
Allergic rhinitis/ Hayfever
Anxiety
Arthritis
Arrhythmia/ palpitations
Asthma
Back pain
Bell’s Palsy
Cancer -Post cancer care
Carpel tunnel syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Common cold
Constipation
COPD
Cough
Cystitis
Depression
Dysmenorrhoea
Dizziness
Endometriosis
Fertility
Fibromyalgia
Frozen shoulder
Gastrointestinal tract disorders
Hayfever
Headaches
Hot Flushes
Hypertension/ High blood pressure
Incontinence
Infertility
Insomnia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Intercostal pain /rib pain
Low mood
Menopause
Menstrual cycle
Migraines
Musculo skeletal
Nausea/ vomiting
Neck pain
Neuropathic pain/ shooting or burning pain
Osteoarthritis
Palpitations
Period pain
PCOS
Planter fascilitis
Postoperative pain
Pregnancy
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sciatica
Sinusitis
Shoulder pain
Stress
Stroke- Post stroke rehabilitation
Tennis elbow
Trigeminal neuralgia
Urinary urgency

If you have had acupuncture before, you will know that the effect is cumulative, building on the recovery made over a course of treatment. Typically, Acupuncture treatments are weekly.

An acute or new condition eg: a muscle strain from playing sport, may need 2 or 3 treatments. Chronic or long term conditions such as arthritis or recurring migraines may take longer to address, typically 4 to 6 weeks. If there is steady improvement in your condition, fortnightly acupuncture may be suggested.

Recovery rates can vary according to your general health and age. Your progress will be monitored and reviewed at each appointment and your treatment plan revised to continue optimal recovery.

Once improved, most patients, especially those with long term or chronic conditions, opt to continue with monthly acupuncture tune -up’s to maintain their health.

No, you do not need to be unwell to have acupuncture, at it’s heart, acupuncture is a preventative treatment.

In East Asia, generations have relied upon acupuncture to support their health and ward off illness. Receiving acupuncture at the change of each season is highly recommended for all.

Acupuncture is safe and highly effective when administered by a qualified, licenced acupuncturist, particularly those who are accredited members of The British Acupuncture Council. Only sterile, single-use, individually packaged needles are used.

All needles are disposed of in a sharps box.

Local authority regulations require both the acupuncturist and their premises to be inspected and licensed by Environmental Health Officers before they can practice.

It is best to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing such as joggers, shorts and t-shirts that can be rolled up to your knees or elbows.

If required, a gown and blanket will be provided.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment. Occasionally, a small bruise will occur where a needle has been.

Acupuncture is deeply relaxing, so you may feel a little tired after treatment and are likely to sleep well later that night.

It is advisable to drink water following treatment to remain hydrated.

The needles are as thin as a cat’s whisker and are usually inserted just a few millimetres into the skin, this means that they really don’t hurt.

You may feel a slight dull ache or become aware of gentle tingling, which quickly passes.

Chinese classics texts describe this as the needles engaging with your Qi.

Needles will stay in place for 20 mins.

I usually take payment after treatment via bank transfer or with a debit card and an izettle card reader.

Yes I do, although please check first with your health insurance provider to see if your policy covers Acupuncture. You may also contact The British Acupuncture Council, BAcC for additional information regarding Health insurance.