FAQ
Does acupuncture hurt?
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Acupuncture cannot be described as painful though the patient is likely to experience some sensation, varying from tingling to a mild ache at the site of the needle. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and bear no resemblance at all to the needles used for injections or blood tests.
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How will I feel after an acupuncture treatment?
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Most patients experience a deep sense of relaxation as tension is released and energies are rebalanced. There may be some immediate relief of symptoms, or this might take more than one session, as the effects of acupuncture are accumulative, and it can take time to unravel chronic conditions. Occasionally you might feel tired for a few hours after the treatment, or there might be a short flare-up of your symptoms as part of a ‘healing reaction’. This is temporary and is usually followed by an improvement of the symptoms the following day.
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Duration and frequency of acupuncture treatment
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Treatment is usually given once a week at first, and less frequently as the condition improves. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the problem, the length of time you have had the problem, your age and general health. A course of treatment is usually required. Very acute conditions may only need one or two treatments; medium-term conditions may clear up in 6 sessions or less; whilst more chronic, long-term conditions will probably need more if they are to be dealt with at a deeper level. A treatment plan will be discussed at the initial consultation. Once the condition clears up, some people choose to have a treatment every six to eight weeks in order to maintain good health.
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Are the needles disposable?
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The needles used are single-use, pre-sterilized needles, which are disposed of after treatment.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?
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Acupuncture can be combined successfully with other treatments including orthodox medical treatment. You should inform the practitioner of any other treatments you are having.
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What is the frequency and duration of herbal treatment?
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If herbal medicine is prescribed, treatment will need to be reviewed at intervals and adjusted as appropriate. Follow-up consultations will usually take place every 2-4 weeks. The length of the treatment will vary greatly depending on the condition and the individual. Anything between one and six months would be common.
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Are Chinese herbs safe?
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Chinese herbs are very safe when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. Allergic-type reactions are rare and will cause no lasting damage if treatment is stopped as soon as symptoms appear. Members of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine abide by UK laws which have banned the use of certain toxic herbal ingredients, and they use only approved herbal suppliers which adhere to strict quality control procedures. The practitioner carefully monitors each patient to ensure there are no unusual reactions to treatment. It is important to inform the practitioner of any drug treatment that you may be receiving in order to ensure that there is no incompatability between the drugs and any ingredients in the herbal formula.
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Are endangered species and animal products used in Chinese medicine?
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UK laws have banned the use of endangered plant species in Chinese Medicine and the use of all animal and mineral products.
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Does acupuncture treat sciatica?​
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Sciatica is a painful condition affecting the sciatic nerve. It is caused by inflammation and/or impingement of the nerve route, often by a prolapsed disc. The symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling, which runs down the course of the sciaticnerve from the lower back, to the buttock, thigh, and possibly reaching as far as the foot. It is usually experienced in just one leg.
Western medical treatment includes exercise therapy, analgesics, muscle relaxants, corticosteroid injections into the spine or, possibly, surgery. However, there is a lack of evidence of the effectiveness of these types of treatment (Hagen 2007, Luijsterburg 2007).
Clinical trials suggest that acupuncture can provide relief for sciatic pain (Wang 2009, Chen 2009, Inoue 2008, Wang 2004). Acupuncture is thought to stimulate inhibitory nerve fibres, reducing transmission of pain signals to the brain. It also relieve’s pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s endogenous opioids. In addition, acupuncture reduces inflammation, promotes blood circulation, relaxes the muscles and loosens the joints.
Clinical trials demonstrate that treatment of sciatic pain with electro acupuncture produces marked and immediate results. Research on animals also suggest that acupuncture is more effective in promoting the regeneration of compressed nerves than Diclofenac.
Acupuncture for the treatment of sciatica involves the insertion of fine needles into certain points along the course of the Bladder and/or Gallbladder points in the back, buttock, leg and foot. The practitioner may also use moxibustion, cupping, electroacupuncture or massage to enhance the effects of the treatment.