[faq]

Freqently asked questions

Some of the most commonly raised questions regarding acupuncture and low cost clinics

What happens during the session?

During the initial consultation the practitioner determines the nature of your disharmony by careful questioning and observation. Diagnosis may include examination of the tongue and pulse which is an important part of the diagnostic process in the traditional Chinese medicine. The practitioner looks at the structure, colour and coating of your tongue and feels the quality strength and rhythm of the pulses at the wrists. After the diagnosis is made, an individual treatment strategy tailored to your specific needs and requirements is constructed.

What does it feel like to be needled?

Most people find acupuncture very relaxing. Some people are anxious about insertion of needles during their first visit, but all worries usually disappears after the first needle is in its place. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling, warm or cold sensation or dull ache. This is one of the signs the body's Qi, or vital energy, has been stimulated by the needles.

Is acupuncture safe?

According to research, acupuncture is a very safe and gentle therapy. Minor bleeding or bruising may occur in a small number of people. All qualified acupuncturists are trained in the correct and safe practice of acupuncture. At Balance you will be treated by a member of the British Acupuncture Council who is bound by strict codes of safe practice, ethical and professional conduct and standards of hygiene approved by the Department of Health.

I'm scared of needles - can I still have treatment?

Yes. Certain styles like Japanese acupuncture use needles that do not break the skin or are inserted extremely lightly. Acupuncture needles are very much finer than the needles used for injections and blood tests. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and once in place they are hardly noticeable. However, if you can't bear the idea of having needles inserted at all, this will be considered in your treatment plan and non-invasive treatment modalities such as cupping, acupressure, Shonishin, moxibustion etc. will be used instead of needling.

I have private medical insurance - will it cover the cost of my treatment?

That depends upon your insurance company. As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for traditional acupuncture. You should check your individual policy details or contact your insurance provider to ask if they cover acupuncture treatment.

Should I still take my prescribed medication while I'm having a course of acupuncture?

Yes, you should continue taking all medications prescribed by your doctor. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some types of medication, such as painkillers, but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. Never stop taking prescribed medications without professional guidance.

How will I feel after acupuncture treatment?

You are likely to feel relaxed and calm. If the treatment has been particularly strong you may feel tired or drowsy and it is worth bearing this in mind if you plan to drive or use any other machinery soon afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

That depends on your individual condition. At first your practitioner will normally want to see you once a week. You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve. Once your condition starts to stabilise you may need treatments only every few weeks. Traditional acupuncture is also very effective when used as preventive healthcare and many people like to go for a 'maintenance' treatment every couple of months even if they do not suffer from any specific condition.

What should I do before a treatment?

Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse, and you may need to lie on your stomach. Do not drink alcohol on the day of your treatment as this will disrupt the dynamic of the Qi, or vital energy. Before the treatment, you should also avoid food or drink that colours your tongue such as coffee or strong tea. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible.

What is the difference between traditional and medical acupuncture?

Acupuncture is today offered by traditional acupuncturists, as well as other healthcare professionals such as GPs, physiotherapists, osteopaths, midwives and nurses. Medical acupuncture used by western medicine professionals takes the practical needling skill and tacks it onto a western medicine diagnosis. Medical acupuncture is used to supplement other therapies like medicine and physiotherapy and can be learned in a short time of 80 hours. It treats a narrow range of physical conditions such as pain and nausea but usually does not treat the underlying causes. Whilst there is a place for this type of treatment in certain conditions, it does not offer the great power of traditional acupuncture in the hands of a well-qualified practitioner. Traditional acupuncture which addresses the exact pattern of disharmony unique to each individual can treat the underlying causes of the health problems and help to balance emotions.

Community Spirit Acupuncture London

Wimbledon Acupuncture Project

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