Who can have acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe treatment for people of any age, including children. It can be used during pregnancy, while taking medication or while receiving other types of treatment.

What happens during an appointment?

At your first appointment we will spend time talking about why you have come to have acupuncture and taking a history so we have all the information we need to make a diagnosis. (See section: The principals of traditional Chinese medicine). We may also talk about any dietary or lifestyle changes that may help you.

You will have an acupuncture treatment at your first appointment, though it may be shorter than subsequent treatments. It is a good idea to have a gentle treatment the first time you experience acupuncture so that you can see what its like, and we can see how you react.

During subsequent appointments we will begin by catching up with how you are feeling and talking about any changes you’ve noticed. We will also check your pulses and tongue before we begin the treatment.

You do not usually need to remove any clothes for an acupuncture treatment, but if you do (e.g. to access points on your back), we will make sure you are covered with a towel and not cold.

What does it feel like?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and solid rather than hollow – not at all like the needles that doctors and dentists normally use.

You may not be aware of any sensation while the acupuncture needles are being inserted, though once they are in place you may feel a dull ache or tingling sensation around the needle. People often feel a heaviness in their limbs and very relaxed during treatment.

Acupuncture needles are normally left in place for about 20 - 30 minutes, which gives you a chance to rest. Occasionally the needles may only be left in for a couple of seconds.

We will usually use about 12 needles during a treatment. The most commonly used points are on the arms and legs, though we often use points on the back, torso and head.

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can help with a wide range of issues both chronic and acute. Below is a list of problems that we often treat in our clinic.

• Pain including back pain, sciatica, knee pain, neck and shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpel tunnel syndrome, RSI (repetitive strain injury), osteoarthritis, acute soft tissue injury e.g. sprains, ligament damage

• Inflammatory / autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Lupus, Sarcoidosis, and fatigue associated with auto-immune problems

• Neurological conditions including headache and migraine, facial paralysis

• Urinary tract problems including cystitis and urethritis

• Fertility problems both male and female

• IVF support

• Digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, chronic constipation, indigestion, acid reflux, haemorrhoids, sluggish digestion

• Respiratory tract problems including asthma, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, chronic sinusitis

• Circulatory disorders including Reynaud’s syndrome, cold hands and feet, oedema

• Women’s health including menstrual problems (irregular periods, no periods, painful periods, very heavy or very light periods etc), premenstrual syndrome (emotional changes, breast tenderness etc), menopausal symptoms including hot flushes;

• Men’s health including prostatitis, fertility issues

• Pregnancy management including morning sickness, synthesis pubis pain, back pain and sciatica, pre-labour treatment, breech presentation, labour induction, post labour care

• Low immunity such as frequent viral infections

• Low energy/fatigue

• Emotional issues including anxiety, panic, stress, depression, insomnia

• General health maintenance Many people have regular acupuncture every few weeks to help maintain good health and well being.

You may have a problem which is not listed here, if you do and would like to discuss it further please contact Anna or Sarah.

How many appointments will I need?

The number of treatments needed varies depending on each individual and the condition being treated. Normally more simple or recent problems can be helped more quickly than more complicated or longstanding ones.

As a general rule, we hope to see improvement within 3 – 6 sessions.