Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
( Please click on a question for its answer )
- Does acupuncture hurt?
- I’m scared of needles. Can I still have acupuncture?
- Do I need to believe in acupuncture in order for it to work?
- How will I feel during and after acupuncture?
- What are the differences between the traditional Chinese acupuncture and other types of acupuncture?
- How long does each session last?
- What about the needles used?
- How should I prepare for an acupuncture treatment?
- How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
- What happens when I go for treatment?
- Who can take Chinese herbal medicine?
- How is a Chinese herbal medicine prescription constructed by a practitioner?
- What are the herbs like?
- Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of Chinese medicine or acupuncture treatment?
- Are there any side effects after taking Chinese herbal medicine?
- Do I need to make an appointment?
Answers to FAQs
1. Does acupuncture hurt?
Not usually. Acupuncture needles are very fine and are about the size of a thick hair. Upon insertion, the patient may feel a slight sting. Once the needle is inserted, there should be no pain. Patients normally feel comfortable during the treatment. Most people find acupuncture a pleasant and deeply relaxing experience. (Back to FAQs)
2. I'm scared of needles. Can I still have acupuncture?
Yes. 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. (Back to FAQs)
3. Do I need to believe in acupuncture in order for it to work?
No. (Back to FAQs)
4. How will I feel during and after acupuncture?
Most people experience a feeling of peace and relaxation during acupuncture treatment. Occasionally you may feel tired like or slightly sleepy after the treatment for a little while. You should be fine to travel home alone afterwards. There may be a short term flaring up of your symptoms. (Back to FAQs)
5. What are the differences between the traditional Chinese acupuncture and other types of acupuncture?
We understand that there are differences in style and practice of acupuncture outside China, such as five element acupuncture, triggers points acupuncture, dry-
6. How long does each acupuncture session last?
You should allow about one hour and a half for your initial consultation and first treatment. Each following treatment will take up to 1 hour. (Back to FAQs)
7. What about the needles used?
Acupuncture is always carried out with sterile and disposable needles. Therefore, there is no risk of infection. The needles are very different from those used in injections and blood tests. They are very fine and solid rather than hollow, so nothing is injected through them. (Back to FAQs)
8. How should I prepare for an acupuncture treatment?
Ideally you should wear loose fitting clothes, so that the acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible. Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as you may need to lie on your stomach. You should also avoid alcohol. (Back to FAQs)
9. How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
Since each person is unique and different people react to the treatment differently, the number of treatments will be varied. You will usually require between 10 and 20 sessions, depending on the severity of the condition, your age and how long you have had the condition for. Some change is usually felt after 6 sessions, although occasionally only one or two treatments are required. Some patients may need treatment over several months. Patients are normally asked to have the treatment once or twice a week at first. (Back to FAQs)
10. What happens when I go for treatment?
You will be asked to fill in a Patient Registration Form and then have your consultation first. You will be asked about your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns, emotional state and your lifestyle etc. Your Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor will take your pulse on both wrists and observe your tongue in order to assess the general state of your health and find out where the imbalance within your body is. TCM doctor will explain and advise you which treatment is appropriate for your problem. You will get the most appropriate forms of TCM treatment which may also include lifestyle, dietary advice and exercise. (Back to FAQs)
11. Who can take Chinese medicine?
Chinese Herbs can be taken by all age groups from young babies to the elderly, though you must notify your practitioner if you are also taking other medicines, suffer from allergies, other conditions or are pregnant as this may affect your treatment and prescription. The herbal therapy can also be used for general health maintenance by keeping the natural balance of the human body. (Back to FAQs)
12. How is a Chinese herbal medicine prescription constructed by a practitioner?
Firstly your TCM doctor considers the patient’s overall symptoms, which include the type and severity of illness and how and when it occurs. The patient's sex, age, constitution and general health are also noted. Then following the guidelines from classical texts, The TCM doctor forms a basic prescription and then adjusts the mixture to the patients needs by adding or deleting various herbs, or manipulating the dosages of the compounds to fit the precise disharmony. Such a prescription usually contains 5-
13. What are the herbs like?
Traditionally, Chinese Herbs are made up into teas or decoctions. This involves boiling the herbs in water for 30 minutes or more. The patient will receive detailed instructions on the method of preparation. The herbal decoction will at first taste unusual and often bitter to anyone who has not tried them before, but the vast majority of people get used to the taste very quickly. Capsules of raw herbal powder, concentrated extracts and pills are also prescribed. (Back to FAQs)
14. Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of Chinese medicine or acupuncture treatment?
Yes. Many people seek the help of Chinese medicine or acupuncture because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment, mainly because it does not seem to be working or the side effects are too severe. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.
15. Are there any side effects after taking Chinese herbal medicine?
No medicine has no side effects if abused or misused. Even cooking salt can be toxic when wrongly used. As a general rule there are no side effects or harmful ingredients. Because Chinese herbal medicine is a natural medicine, it is much safer than Western Medicine. This has been proved from the thousands years of practices too. At the bottom line, they do not harm to our body. You are advised to see a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor who has qualification and registration certificates to ensure you are treated by a professional practitioner. (Back to FAQs)
16. Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, you do. The clinic is open 9:30am to 7:30pm, Monday to Saturday. You can ring 01582 618731 to make an appointment. If the doctor is not available, please leave her a brief message to info@chineseacupuncture.co.uk and she will call you back as soon as possible, mostly within a hour or two. (Back to FAQs)
