FAQ's
How many needles are used per treatment?
Usually I use between 2 and 4 needles however more may be added on occasion depending on the presenting patient. It is important to note that the strength of the illness/imbalance does not mean more needles are used.
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Does it hurt?
I was taught to insert needles with great care and consideration for the patient and therefore receiving a needle is relatively painless. There are certain areas of the body such as at the ends of the fingers which are more sensitive and can illicit a stinging sensation. Nevertheless, this sensation will fade quickly.
There are also other sensations that may be felt during a session such as tingling along the acupuncture channels near where the needles are places and other sensations such as numbness or pulsing. These sensations are indications that the energy of that person is changing.
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What do I need to do before and after treatment?
It is entirely up to you. There are however some recommendations. For instance, try not to eat for an hour before and after treatment. It is also useful but not essential to spend the rest of the day after treatment in a relaxed and stress free mode as the body starts to make changes.
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Does taking medication affect my treatment and should I stop taking medication while I'm receiving acupuncture?
It not advisable to stop any of your medication at any time before or after your acupuncture treatment. This medication has been prescribed to you by a medical professional and therefore it is important to continue taking it until advised by this medical professional otherwise.
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What happens in a treatment?
There is a consultation to begin with where the patient and practitioner discuss where the patient is with their health and to establish their current condition. After this the patient is asked to lie down on a massage couch on their backs. The practitioner will take the pulse of the patient which is the primary form of diagnosis. The practitioner may ask to see the patients tongue which is another form of diagnosis used to establish an overall diagnosis and treatment principle. Then acupuncture points are selected and needled. The needles will stay in the patient for about 20 minutes. Needles will then be removed and at which point the treatment is finished.
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How will I feel after a treatment?
There is no right or wrong way to feel after a treatment. Patients may feel very relaxed and even sleepy. They may feel more energised. They may feel no difference from when they came in however this is not a problem as the treatment can take a few days to take affect as the body changes according to the treatment. Treatments can illicit emotional releases where a blockage may have been lifted however this is normal and just another part of the process of feeling better.
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When does a treatment start to take effect?
Treatments can take effect immediately however they can take some days to settle in. Everyone is unique and therefore every treatment will be different in its treatment aim and in its time to take effect.
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How many treatments will I need?
This is an impossible question to answer as everyone is different and everyone has different presenting complaints. Chronic conditions can take a long time to treat and acute conditions can lift quickly. Many people come to acupuncture to help with staying healthy and therefore may attend a session every 2 or 3 months to stay in balance.
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How long is a treatment?
The needles are left in for 20 minutes. Each treatment including consultation, diagnosis and needling will last up to an hour.
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What does acupuncture treat?
It is important to consider that Chinese medicine and acupuncture belong to a view of the world that is much different from ours in the West. It belongs to a view of the world that considers the unity of everything and is therefore known as a holistic medicine treating the whole body and not just the presenting symptoms. Chinese medicine diagnoses the root of the problem/s and attempts to strengthen that root so that the problem/s can reduce and dissolve.
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Can children receive acupuncture?
Acupuncture treats all ages. It is likely that the younger the child, the less likely it is that needles will be used in their treatment but rather acupressure using gentle palpation. The younger the person, the stronger their energy is and therefore children usually respond faster to acupuncture than adults even with just acupressure.
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