People receive acupuncture treatments for many different reasons:

This will involve a detailed case history being taken in which a number of questions will be asked concerning your current symptoms, medical history, diet, sleeping patterns and emotional state. Your pulse and tongue will also be examined. Once this is done a personalised treatment will follow where very fine sterile, disposable needles are inserted into specific points in your body. The acupuncture points used are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the problem. For example, although you might suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand. There are a number of other treatments that may be used during a session. These may be cupping, massage, moxa, auricular acupuncture, dietary therapy and lifestyle advice.

Initially the first consultation will take approximately 60 minutes, as a detailed case history is taken to allow the practitioner to make a full diagnosis. Any future treatments will be approximately 45 minutes.

This may vary depending on individual conditions. Typically 5 to 6 treatments would be an acceptable treatment regime, however sometimes it could be more or sometimes less. Treatments would normally be once or twice a week.

If you have been prescribed medication it would be wise to tell your doctor you are receiving acupuncture treatments. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture is safe and has a strong track record. The needles used are disposable, single use and sterile. Responses to treatment can vary between individuals and can range from feeling tired after a treatment, a mild dizziness and sometimes a relaxed calm feeling. On occasions mild bruising may occur due to the needle insertion.

Acupuncture needles are very fine and are much finer than those used for injections or blood tests. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.

Acupuncture in the west is seen primarily as a means of pain relief. However it can be used for a wide variety of illnesses and symptoms. From clearly defined complaints such as headaches, vomiting, back and neck pain, arthritic pain, through to general feelings of ill health such as tiredness and low energy.