FAQ's
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED....
Be sure to visit 'What To Expect' for details on our treatments and atmosphere
Acupuncture:
Is it safe?
All sterile needles used are pre-packaged, CE marked and disposable. We proudly use only the world's finest quality, most delicate needles specially imported from Japan to give you the gentlest, best treatment possible. Jess and any practitioner in her clinic adhere rigorously to the British Acupuncture Council Codes which govern the standard of care and level of conduct. We only have experienced practitioners, graduated with full university science degrees in Traditional Acupuncture and western medical sciences.
Natural medical science marries the best of east and west. We use integrated relaxation and healing techniques.
How many sessions will I need?
Most conditions respond well after 6 to 8 weekly sessions. As with all medicine the healthier a person is before illness, usually the faster they heal. It's often recommended to have less frequent long-term treatments to help maintain improved health. Dramatic results do happen.. and only require 1-2 treatments at times. Many patients choose to come regularly throughout the year for change-of-season top ups.
Does It Hurt?
The needles are much more delicate than those used in injections and are not hollow or painful. The sensation felt is often described as either a heavy or dull feeling or a gentle tingle in the area. Acupuncture should not be a painful or
unpleasant experience, in fact a patient usually becomes so relaxed they often snooze during treatment, and feel mild and serene for the rest of the day.
Acupuncture needles are about the same size as cat whiskers... Again, Acupuncture needles are about the same size as cat whiskers!
Do I need to do anything special to prepare?
Big Picture: The decision to learn and embrace healthy change is all you need!
Before: It's good to have a light meal in your stomach before having Acupuncture, nothing too heavy. No alcohol should be in your system. Wear loose comfortable clothing that we can move on limbs, etc. Clothing rarely needs to be removed.
After: Enjoy the relaxation! No heavy exercise for about 6 hours after Acupuncture. If you haven't eaten go have a small snack. Alcohol can be imbibed in tiny amounts but is best avoided for the whole day. And it's always ideal if you can arrange a relatively chilled out day after sessions.
How long will it take?
The treatment you are having will affect your time at clinic. But all sessions run either about 30 or 60 minutes. If you are new to the clinic or having an advanced session it is 60 minutes, and in general all other treatments are completed in about 30-40 minutes.
How does Acupuncture work?
There is an element of mystery around Acupuncture, but studies have shown gentley stimulating the skin can affect our autonomic nervous system (responsible for internal functions). Test summaries show its effects on the endocrine system, innervating the brain message centre - can help improve production and balance of chemicals (hormones) responsible for emotional and internal organ activity. In Chinese Medicine this is the 'life force' energy called Qi, resulting in stimulated organ, muscle, tissue, gland and brain functions.
How is my confidential health information handled and protected?
Privacy of your personal information and discretion is an important part of providing you with health care. All therapists and staff members who come into contact with your personal information are aware of its personal and sensitive nature. and adhere to British Acupuncture Council codes. They are highly trained and fully committed to ensuring the appropriate use and protection of your information.
acupuncture: What Can It Treat?
Common complaints we successfully and regularly treated include:
• Infertility and IVF support
• Stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue
• Digestive disorders – IBS, bloating, constipation
• Menstrual and menopausal disorders – PMT, painful periods, PCOS, hot flushes
• Pregnancy discomforts, morning sickness and labour induction
• Pain – sports injuries, lower back, knee, hip, sciatica, shoulder, neck
• Headaches and migraines
• Skin conditions – eczema, asthma, psoriasis, acne
Why have Acupuncture?
It's a pleasant and natural treatement which may help decrease drugs or their side effects, and get to the root cause of illness or pain, rather than just mask symptoms temporarily. Long-lasting solutions to health problems found in a gentle, supportive, organic environment are the greatest attributes of Acupuncture when having treatment in the right clinic.