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| How do I receive treatment? |
| On appointment for consultation, the doctor will examine the patient utilising traditional techniques, consult with the patient on present and past medical conditions and lifestyle. Then applying the principles of traditional Chinese medicine will recommend a course of treatment to relieve the condition if possible. |
| Who has Acupuncture? |
| A wide variety of people use acupuncture from the very young to the very old. Some women use acupuncture for support throughout their pregnancy. Elite athletes use acupuncture. It is also used alongside western medicine in palliative care. Many people first seek acupuncture for help with painful conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee, headaches or low back pain. Other people choose acupuncture when their body systems are out of balance, even though they have no obvious diagnosis. Some choose to have regular treatment as they find it beneficial and relaxing. |
| Is there evidence acupuncture works? |
| Evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness is growing. A large systematic review concluded that acupuncture was effective for chronic pain; osteoarthritis, , back pain, neck pain, headaches and shoulder pain. This review also showed that acupuncture was not a placebo and the effects persisted over time. Acupuncture has been included in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for headaches (CG150) and for Chronic Primary Pain (CG193). The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN): Management of Chronic Pain (136) guidelines include acupuncture for lower back pain and osteoarthritis. For many conditions a sufficient number of high quality clinical trials have yet to be conducted for researchers to draw firm conclusions. You can find detailed evidence on the British Acupuncture Council website (BAaC). |
| How can acupuncture help me? |
| Acupuncturists treat the person, not just the condition which they have, so each patient’s treatment plan will be different. Your local BAaC acupuncturist will be happy to offer a free chat about how to help you. Call Cathy on 02890220510. |
| What will happen when I go for acupuncture? |
| We will take your medical history, read your pulses, may examine the site of your symptoms, and may look at your tongue. Your individual treatment plan will be based on your state of health and lifestyle. |
| What do acupuncture needles feel like? |
| Acupuncture needles are so fine that most people don’t even feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as your acupuncturist adjusts the needle. Many people feel deeply relaxed during the treatment. The single-use sterile needles come in sealed packs and will be opened in your presence. They are safely disposed of after each treatment. |
| How many treatments will I need? |
| Weekly sessions are quite usual to begin with, for perhaps five or six treatments, reducing in frequency as your body responds. Cathy will suggest how often you come for treatment. |
| Is acupuncture safe? |
| Definitive surveys in the UK and Germany concluded that when practised by properly trained qualified traditional acupuncturists such as BAaC members, the risk of serious adverse events from acupuncture is extremely low. |
| Are there any side effects? |
| Sometimes a small bruise may appear when a needle is removed. Occasionally, people can feel dizzy or tired for a brief time after treatment. |
| Should I tell my doctor I’m having acupuncture? |
| If you have been prescribed medication we recommend you tell your doctor that you plan to have acupuncture. Do not stop taking your medication. You should tell your acupuncturist about any medication or supplements you are taking. BAaC acupuncturists are trained to recognise potentially serious underlying health conditions and will refer you to your GP if appropriate. |
| How much does acupuncture cost? |
| Treatment charges vary. You can call Cathy for prices before booking on 02890220510. |
| Does the NHS recommend acupuncture? |
| Acupuncture on the NHS is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for primary chronic pain, migraines and headaches, and by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), for chronic pain, including low back pain and knee pain. |
| Will my health insurance pay for acupuncture? |
| Some health policies now cover treatment with BAcC registered acupuncturists so check with your insurer. |