Does acupuncture hurt?
This is a very common question. Please be reassured that the needles used for acupuncture are much thinner and finer than the needles used for injections, and they usually cause no pain.
It is more common to experience a dull ache, a warming or a tingling sensation during the treatment.
What can I expect from the treatment?
The first appointment goes into a lot of detail and I ask you a variety of questions regarding your current symptoms, past medical history, sleep pattern, diet and any other information that may be deemed necessary for your diagnosis. This helps me build an overall picture of you as a person.
I will take your pulses on both wrists and look at your tongue. This is a way of me being able to “listen” to your internal body functions, and it is invaluable for your diagnosis. All this information helps me devise a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to you.
There are some supplementary techniques used in Chinese Medicine that help stimulate the body’s Qi, and these may be used in treatment. These include:
Cupping: glass fire cups or plastic cups are applied to the skin to create a vacuum. This technique can be used to help relieve pain, or stimulate blood flow and circulation.
Gua Sha: a gentle scraping of the skin to help release blockages from areas of injury and stiffness This technique stimulates blood flow to help aid healing.
Moxibustion: a therapeutic herb (Moxa) is applied to an acupuncture point or meridian channel to create heat to help warm and relax muscles.
How will I feel after acupuncture treatment?
Most people often feel very calm after a treatment. It is an ideal time to allow your body a chance to rest. If possible, it is recommended that you avoid vigorous exercise directly after treatment, and allow at least several hours before drinking alcohol. Acupuncture has minimal side effects. If any do occur, they are usually mild. Cupping and Gua Sha temporarily mark or bruise the skin, but it clears within two days or so.
Is acupuncture safe?
I strictly adhere to the British Acupuncture Council Codes of Conduct which demands exceptionally high standards of hygiene. I therefore only ever use single-use, pre-sterilised, disposable needles for acupuncture treatments.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
Acupuncture treatment is specific to the individual, so it is not possible to confirm exactly how many treatments will be required. On average, I would hope that you will feel the benefit of treatment within six sessions. As a guide, the longer you have had the complaint, the longer it may take to treat.
Any more questions?
Please feel free to email me at tracey@bedrockhealing.co.uk or call on 07786 172 900. I look forward to being able to help you with any queries you may have.
I am a fully insured member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). This ensures that I adhere to strict Codes of Safe Practice, Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures. You will always receive the highest standards of professional care and hygiene during your acupuncture treatments