Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t know what treatment I should book for my condition?

You can always book a free 15-minute chat with me and we can decide on what would be the best option for you.

What should I do before treatment?

Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment, as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse, and you may need to lie on your stomach. You should also avoid alcohol, food or drink that colours your tongue such as coffee or strong tea. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible.

Are there any unpleasant side effects from acupuncture?

Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Occasionally there may be minor bruising at the needlepoint or a short-term flare-up of your symptoms. This can result from your body’s energy trying to clear and resettle the system.

Is it a good idea to inform my Doctor or my GP that I am having acupuncture treatments?

If you are currently receiving treatment from your doctor it is sensible to mention that you plan to have acupuncture. I would need to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment. The same applies to herbal medicine.

What will happen at my first consultation?

We will go through your complaints in detail. The physical diagnostic analysis would include having a look at your tongue, feeling your pulse and palpating your abdomen. I will assess your state of health and decide on what therapy suits you best.

How many sessions of acupuncture do I need?

It depends on the duration of your complaint. The less chronic the issue is, the faster it can be resolved. For example, I generally recommend a minimum of 8-10 sessions for chronic back pain. Even if the pain subsides after the first or second session, it is still worth having a few more sessions to strengthen the constitution and immunity.

How can acupuncture help me?

Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms, from clearly defined complaints to more general feelings of ill health and low energy. Take a look at the British Acupuncture Council research fact sheets to find out more about how acupuncture can help you.

Is acupuncture painful?

It doesn’t hurt. You can occasionally feel some gentle sensation around the point such as pulling or tingling. For more sensitive people, I offer Japanese Acupuncture (Toyohari) where needles are either shallowly inserted or not inserted at all.

Will acupuncture be good for me if I take medication?

We can perfectly work around and together with medication. 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 your medication without professional guidance.

Can herbal medicine be taken along with allopathic medication?

Yes, it can be. The diagnostic method I use helps to understand what the body requires at this particular time. Herbal medicine can help to soothe the side effects of medications, not interfering with the action of it.

I don’t like having acupuncture. Can herbal medicine on its own help me with my complaints?

Yes, it can. Herbal medicine can help with many complaints. Migraines, menstrual problems, insomnia, anxiety, digestive issues and even painful conditions can be addressed with herbal medicine. Herbal medicine can help with as many health conditions as acupuncture can.

I have private medical insurance. Will my sessions be covered by my insurer?

It depends on your insurer. As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for acupuncture. Please check your individual policy details.