Frequently Asked Questions

A: Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong or there may be a short term flair up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself.

A: If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment. 

A: Not generally. In cases where your local Primary Care Group(PCG) or Primary Care Trust(PCT) have agreed a contract with a local acupuncturist, your GP may make a referral. However, you should always enquire as to the training of an acupuncturist and ensure that they have studied to degree level, completed sufficient clinical hours training , have insurance and are members of a reputable professional body such the British Acupuncture Council.

A: BAcC members have an extensive training in acupuncture and bio medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK. As well as being covered by full Medical Malpractice and Public/ Products Liability Insurance, members are bound by Codes of Ethics, Practice and Disciplinary Procedures.

A: Aside from assurances that the practitioner is registered with a professional body, and has appropriate insurance cover, your personal relationship/rapport with your practitioner is important. Find a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable, who understands what you want from treatment and who can explain clearly what they expect acupuncture treatment to be able to do for you.

A: There is no fixed fee as practitioners overheads vary. If you contact a few practitioners in your area you should discover an approximate fee level amongst them.

A: It depends on whether you have specific symptoms or want to use acupuncture as a preventative treatment. Contact myself or one of the practitioners in your area to discuss your condition. They will be able to answer specific questions and will be providing and monitoring your treatment.

A: This varies between patients. Certainly a course of treatment is required, one off miracle cures are unusual! Some changes either in yourself generally, or in your condition directly should be noticed after 4 - 6 treatments.

A: We cannot recommend self-treatment either with needles or other gadgets. A fully trained practitioner is needed in order to objectively diagnose and administer appropriate treatment for each individual. Gadgets sold with manuals indicating 'certain points for certain symptoms' do not use traditional acupuncture theory and may cause the patient to overlook other relevant symptoms.

A: Yes, at least until careful discussion is had with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Some people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment - because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.

A: Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer, and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling.

A: Members use single use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of after each treatment. British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) members observe the Code of Safe Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for other equipment.

A: All members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) must observe the Code of Safe Practice which defines the hygiene and safety standards relating to the practice of acupuncture. The Code of Safe Practice is available for download from the British Acupuncture Council Website.