What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions including those not easily explained in western medicine. Acupuncture is also used for general well-being and health maintenance. Please CLICK HERE to see a list of the conditions commonly treated with acupuncture.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

From an Eastern perspective, illness occurs when the body’s Qi, or energy flow is blocked. This blocked energy can cause pain, swelling and changes in the structure and functioning of the body mind spirit. Acupuncture treatment resumes the normal flow of energy, thereby eliminating the root cause of the symptoms.

In the West, more and more research is being done to try and understand why acupuncture is so effective. Scientific research has shown that acupuncture causes the release of endorphins in the body (natural painkillers) and other hormones such as serotonin and that it also has an effect on the adrenal glands. However even this does not fully explain its effectiveness and far reaching benefits, so more and more research is being done.

Will It Hurt?

Acupuncture is not an unpleasant experience. The needles used are much finer than those used in injections and are about as thick as a coarse hair or fine wire. The sensation felt is often described as a tingling or pulling sensation, and the session itself is deeply relaxing – so much so that clients often fall asleep. People often report feeling relaxed or invigorated during and after treatment.

What Happens During Appointments?

The first session will include a consultation, so may be slightly longer than an hour, and the majority of this session will be spent talking (about two thirds, with a third treatment time – this then switches in future sessions to a third of the time spent talking, and two thirds treatment time). You will be asked about your current symptoms and general health, what other treatments you have received and what medicines you are taking, as well as your family medical history, diet and lifestyle. This is all done with a view to establishing the cause or causes of your condition so that an individual treatment strategy can be developed, which is tailored to you, and relevant advice given on any dietary or lifestyle changes it would be wise for you to make. Follow up appointments will last for approximately one hour. You will be asked about your progress since the last visit and then you will be treated again. Please CLICK HERE for prices.

What Am I Likely To Feel Afterwards?

As well as improvement in the condition for which treatment was sought, it is often the case that people experience a general sense of well-being. Often there is a release of energy enabling a person to take up new activities or resume previous interests with renewed enthusiasm. Occasionally you may feel tired, or even slightly woozy following an acupuncture treatment – in this instance eating and resting is recommended and symptoms usually pass quickly.

How Can I Prepare For A Session?

It is best to eat a light meal or snack before your appointment so that your body has energy to work with. Sometimes a person who has not eaten may feel slightly lightheaded when receiving an acupuncture treatment. In this case, inform your practitioner immediately and they will take the appropriate actions. It is best to wear loose clothing so that the arms and legs below the elbows and knees, as well as the abdomen, are accessible. Do not engage in strenuous activity, drink alcohol, smoke excessively, or eat very heavy meals before or after your treatment. This will allow the body to adjust to the effects of the acupuncture.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

It is difficult to say. Everyone is different and each treatment is specific to that individual, so the time it takes for recovery varies from person to person. As a rule, the longer you have had the complaint, the longer it is likely to take to put right. It is hoped you would feel the benefit within six treatments, and most people start with weekly sessions for 3-6 weeks, and then come less frequently as their condition improves. Fertility treatment is a little different, as it takes longer to reset the menstrual cycle, and we will be working on optimising egg quality (which is retrospective by about 90 days), balancing hormones, improving health generally and optimising fertility, therefore it is important to have weekly treatment for the first few weeks, followed usually by fortnightly treatment for the next few months.  Please be assured that you will not receive more treatments than you need, and that many people choose to keep coming monthly or seasonally because they feel acupuncture treatment keeps them physically and emotionally balanced. If you would like a more accurate view of how many sessions you might need, please CLICK HERE and send me an email for a more personal response.  

Is It Safe?

Acupuncture has a very safe track record. The needles used are very fine, single-use sterile needles and are disposed of immediately in medical containers.  Acupuncture is a safe treatment for children and adults alike. As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, Charlotte adheres to the highest standards of care and professional conduct and is bound by the Council’s code of ethics. Members are also required to undergo ongoing professional development and remain up-to-date in their field.

Can Acupuncture Be Used In Conjunction With Western Medicine?

Acupuncture can be used safely alongside western medicine. It can also be used to alleviate the side effects of western medical treatment.

Can I Keep Taking My Medication?

Yes, there are no contraindications between western drugs and acupuncture. In fact, acupuncture can help reduce the side effects of some medicines. At your first appointment please bring details of any medicines you take, including prescribed ones, those bought over the counter and any food supplements.

Am I Covered By My Insurance?

Some insurance companies may cover acupuncture carried out by a member of the British Acupuncture Council, click here for the full list and check directly with your provider whether your policy covers treatment. Insured clients are asked to pay for the treatment and will be provided with a receipt in order to claim back from their insurance company.