What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years.  According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body’s energy - known as qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin. By inserting fine disposable needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance.

Frequency of Treatments

In traditional acupuncture each person is considered unique.  The number of treatments required depends on the individual. However, on average, treatments are required initially once or occasionally twice a week for 4-6 treatments.  

Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic and only one or two treatments are required.  With other patients, the effects are more subtle and they may need treatment over several months.

What does acupuncture feel like?

The needles used are very fine and are all single use and sterile. To find the acupuncture point, the practitioner palpates along the meridian to locate a little dip. When the needle is inserted, a sensation like a dull ache or pressure may be felt. Needles can be inserted and removed immediately or left for 10-15 minutes. We take the pulses at the wrists to feel changes as a result of needling.

After Treatment

If you can:

Rest for 20 minutes after each treatment. 
Drink plenty of water as this will help to clear toxins from your system.
Keep to a simple diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid tea and coffee.
Don’t drink alcohol on the day of treatment.

How will you feel after treatment?

There is a whole range of sensations that you can experience after treatment.  The important thing to remember is that change is a sign that your body is beginning to adapt to the rebalancing it has received.  Please note any changes that you experience following the treatment and let your practitioner know - feedback is important for treatment planning.

Feeling better:  relief from blockages can make you feel more refreshed and energetic.

Feeling worse before feeling better: While your body is adjusting you may feel seemingly worse initially.  These effects will disappear once your body settles down.

Tiredness: You may feel tired after treatment and may sleep well, following the relaxation of tension in the body.

Headaches: The release of waste products (toxins) as your body heals can cause headaches.  Drinking plenty of water will help to flush these toxins out.

How many sessions will you need?

The number of sessions needed varies considerably, depending on:

Your age: you generally heal more slowly as you get older.

How long you have had the problem: yesterday’s illness will resolve faster than one of 20 year’s standing.

General level of fitness: broadly speaking, the fitter you are the quicker your body mends.

Stress levels: high levels of stress can impede healing.

Nutrition and lifestyle:  good healthy food and plenty of rest help the healing process.

Most patients need between four and six sessions once a week  then treatments are  gradually more widely spaced out – by which time a noticeable change should have occurred, though treatment can continue for longer. Once the problem has been resolved, regular maintenance treatments are recommended to keep your energy levels maintained and balanced.

If you have any question please do not hesitate in contacting us.

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