Question 1

How can acupuncture benefit my health?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture can be a wonderful way to address specific symptoms or conditions, as well as to maintain good health and overall wellbeing. By treating the whole person rather than just isolated symptoms, acupuncture can be effective for a variety of conditions. Each treatment plan is unique, tailored to your individual needs. Many of our clients find acupuncture so beneficial and relaxing that they return regularly. It's suitable for all ages, including during pregnancy, and can be used alongside conventional medicine. Feel free to ask about other patients' experiences to get a better idea of what to expect.

Question 2

What does it feel like?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections & blood tests. When the needle is inserted you may feel a tingling sensation or dull ache.

Question 3

What should I expect during an acupuncture session?

Accepted Answer

During your acupuncture session, we'll start by getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle, including your medical history, pulse reading, and tongue examination. Based on this, we'll create a personalized treatment plan. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific points on your body, often on your arms and legs. It's best to wear loose-fitting clothing, though you may need to remove some items. The sterile needles are single-use and will be opened in front of you and disposed of safely after each treatment.

Question 4

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

There have been a number of scientific papers published on the safety of acupuncture. These have concluded that acupuncture is safe so long as it is delivered by a properly trained individual. Therefore, we recommend that you ensure your acupuncturist belongs to a professional organisation such as the British Acupuncture Council.
 
As acupuncture involves the insertion of needles there will sometimes be a small bruise or bleeding. Approximately 6% of people who have ten acupuncture sessions will report a bruise or minor bleeding.
 
Occasionally, people can feel dizzy or nauseous after treatment. Approximately 0.4% of people who have ten acupuncture sessions will experience these symptoms. Sometimes people feel tired after a treatment. This occurs approximately in 0.2% of people over a course of ten acupuncture sessions. Sometimes people experience headache, local muscle pain or strong pain during needling. These side-effects are classed as ‘uncommon’: affecting 1 to 10 of every 1000 people treated.
 
The above effects are to some extent an unavoidable part of acupuncture. However, the risks can still be minimised. Please let your acupuncturist know if you feel hot, or the room is stuffy, or you are hungry/thirsty, or you are especially nervous. This should help reduce the chances of dizziness and nausea. Please also let them know any medications that you are taking, such as anti-coagulants.
 
As the acupuncture involves piercing the skin there is a risk of infection at the needle site. The estimated risk is 1 to 10 of every 10,000 people treated. BAcC acupuncturists are trained, and bound by our Professional Codes, to provide acupuncture hygienically.
Serious adverse events such as pneumothorax (piercing the lung/perforation of the lung lining) and nerve injury can occur. However, these are very rare, and the risk is reduced by seeing a well-trained acupuncturist. In 2.2 million treatments pneumothorax occurred twice and nerve injury 31 times. One of the people who had a pneumothorax needed hospital treatment, the other required observation only. The longest duration of any side-effect was 180 days (nerve injury). No permanent injuries or deaths were associated with the acupuncture treatments.
 
Both cupping and guasha can lead to dark/purple patches on the skin. This is often an expected part of treatment. You may have seen dark rings from cupping on elite athletes such as swimmers. These marks disappear after a few days.
 
Cupping and moxibustion both carry a risk of accidental burns. Burns from moxibustion are estimated to occur once in 1000 to 5000 treatments.

Question 5

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. Just let us know if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, as some acupuncture points should be avoided during pregnancy. We're here to ensure your safety and comfort.

Question 6

Can children have acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Children’s energy is very volatile & they can respond very quickly to treatment. As a rule, it is best not to use acupuncture on children under seven years of age, however acupressure may be used.
Young adults up to the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Question 7

Do I need to do anything before acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Not really, but please do not arrive really hungry or after a glass or two of wine! If it is your first visit, please be sure to bring a list of the medication you are taking, & remember to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Question 8

What is Moxibustion / Moxa?

Accepted Answer

Moxibustion involves the burning of the herb Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi), commonly known as moxa, to warm acupuncture points & areas of the body. There are different techniques such as placing the moxa on the handle of a needle, a moxa stick, or placing moxa directly on the skin.

Question 9

What is Cupping or Gua Sha?

Accepted Answer

Cupping: A partial vacuum is created within cups which are placed on the skin. This produces a suction effect. The vacuum is produced either by fire (traditional method) or by a pump.
 
Guasha: The use of a smooth edge tool to repeated scrape the skin.

Both techniques may leave a temporary red marking to the skin for a few days. This is perfectly normal & part of the process.

Question 10

What should I do after my acupuncture session?

Accepted Answer

After your acupuncture session, it's important to keep the needle, cupping, moxa, and guasha sites clean. Avoid strenuous activities and try to rest. You might feel a dull ache at the needle sites, which is normal. It's best to avoid alcohol on the day of your treatment, as it can affect the efficacy of acupuncture. If you experience any unusual effects, such as redness or inflammation at the needle site, or severe chest pain and difficulty breathing after upper back or shoulder treatment, seek medical attention immediately. These are rare but serious conditions. Always feel free to contact us if you have any concerns.

Question 11

Should my doctor know?

Accepted Answer

If you have been prescribed medication we recommend you tell your doctor that you are planning to have acupuncture. Do not stop taking your medication. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication & supplements you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment. BAcC acupuncturists are trained to recognise potentially serious underlying health conditions & may refer you to your GP if they consider it appropriate.

Question 12

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of acupuncture sessions you'll need depends on your individual condition. Some people notice changes within one or two treatments, while others may need five or six. Regular acupuncture can help maintain good health. If you don't see improvements after six sessions, we can discuss other options. Your wellbeing is our priority.

Question 13

Is the cost of treatment covered by my private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Possibly.
Please check with your health provider, as individual schemes have different terms & conditions.
This is a list of providers that I know recognise the BAcC or myself individually.

AXA
Aviva
Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund
CS Healthcare
Engage Mutual Assurance
Exeter Family Friendly
General & Medical Healthcare
Healthshield
HSF
Medicash
National Friendly
Vitality 
Saga (cash policy)
Sovereign Health (healthcare cash plan)
Simply Health
Westfield
WHA
WHCA Orchard
WPA

Eleanor Henderson

BSc (Hons) Lic. Acupuncturist
Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner

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Subscribe to our newsletter - Don’t miss out! (I rarely send these, but occasionally I'll let you know of any changes)

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(I rarely send these, but occasionally I'll let you know of any changes)