Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions that you might have about acupuncture.Please click on the question you might have:
- How do I know if an acupuncturist is well trained?
- Are the needles sterile?
- Does it hurt?
- What happens during the initial consultation?
- How many treatments are necessary and how often?
- Can acupuncture treatment help with non-physical problems?
- What about prescribed medication?
- Does it only work if you have "faith" in it?
- How much does it cost and how long does it take?
How do I know if an acupuncturist is well trained?
The best way is to inquire about what professional association they belong to. The associations like the British Acupuncture Council have very stringent qualifications that the practitioner and the college that they trained at must adhere to. They also have a code of ethics and practice that members have to follow.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes. Only the highest quality stainless steel disposable needles are used. These come in pre-sterilized sealed packets and are discarded after use.
Does it hurt?
Because the needles are about the thinness of a hair, insertion is generally pain free. There may be an occasional sharpness or a dull ache, but these sensations are only momentary and far less unpleasant than a western injection.
What happens during the initial consultation?
The initial session takes up to one and a half hours and includes a thorough medical and personal history, description of complaint(s), a review of the body systems, and a physical examination. This includes the taking of the Chinese pulses [usually felt at the wrist] from which I can determine the state of the energy in each of the major meridians. Using the diagnostic tools of classical acupuncture, which include analysing a patient's energetic state, I determine the underlying cause of the condition. From all of this information, a unique treatment plan is developed.
How many treatments are necessary and how often?
Initially, an interval of a week is recommended for the first three sessions. Most people will see some improvement by then although deep seated problems might need more. Then it is essential to gradually lengthen the treatment intervals. Eventually, seasonal maintenance sessions will keep the energy in healthy state.
Can acupuncture treatment help with non-physical problems?
Yes, indeed. I must emphasise that classical acupuncture views the body, mind, and spirit as a whole. All physical disorders will cause an imbalance in the mental outlook and spirit of a person. This may manifest as depression, anxiety, anger, sadness, or frustration. Mental disturbances, stress, and emotional conflict will conversely effect the physical body, and can result in insomnia, lack of appetite, fatigue, menstrual disorders, migraines, susceptibility to disease, aches, pains, and any labelled disease one can imagine. All classical acupuncture treatments aim to restore the harmony of body, mind, and spirit. So, the physical and non-physical sides of a patient are treated at the same time.
What about prescribed medication?
Classical acupuncture may certainly be used in conjunction with other medication. It is important to me to know what you are taking as this is taken into account in the planning of treatment. As acupuncture treatment progresses, the need for certain drugs may well decrease and it may be appropriate to reduce or discontinue medication, but this should only be done with the approval of the prescribing doctor.
Does it only work if you have "faith" in it?
No, faith is not involved. Acupuncture works for animals, and they have no beliefs one way or the other!
How much does it cost and how long are the treatments?
The first session cost either £45 or £48 depending on which practice you go to and takes up to 1½ hours. Subsequent sessions are £35 or £38 and takes less than 1 hour.
For even more information, you might like to read one of the recommended books.
Practices
Click here for details of the practices in South Staffordshire.