FAQs

What can I expect from treatment?

Your first appointment will take around 1.5-2 hours and includes a personal and physical assessment, including medical history, family history, medication, lifestyle, sleep etc in order to gain a full picture of what may be behind your symptoms. I will then run some diagnostic tests, including taking your pulse, temperature, blood pressure, looking at your tongue. This will be followed by your first treatment. Thereafter treatments will be around 45 minutes to an hour. More information about your treatment can be found here

Is acupuncture painful?

This question is often asked as many people say they are scared of needles, equating needles with the size of the injections they may have previously had in western medicine. Acupuncture needles are flexible and only as thick as two human hairs, making it a very different experience to an injection. Acupuncture rarely 'hurts', but can feel like a dull ache or a tingling sensation. Points around the hand or feet can sometimes be a little sharp, but the sensation is usually brief. Most people find acupuncture treatment to be a relaxing and calming experience.

How many sessions of acupuncture do I need?

The number of sessions will depend on how acute or deep-seated your condition is. For best effect, I recommend a course of five initial treatments on a weekly basis. Then depending on your condition, ongoing treatment may be required but I will assess on how well you have responded to treatment in terms of they can then be spaced out along with a treatment plan to suit your individual needs. Of course you are always in control of your own health and you are always free to choose the number of sessions you would like.

How regularly do I need to come for acupuncture?

This depends on each individual and the severity of their condition. Some people respond quickly while others take longer. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect with treatments building on each other. While one-off treatments can help with an acute emergency, in one treatment you are likely to feel a a change, a shift or relief but it is likely not to resolve the problem. Like a good exercise or nutrition programme, it usually requires time and commitment to reap the full results. I usually recommend an initial commitment of five treatments spaced one week apart to clear blocks, bring the body back into balance and create a solid foundation for healing so that you get the most out of your treatment. It is recommended that the first few treatments not be spaced too far apart (weekly is preferrable) as this will reduce effectiveness while your body is getting used to being in a healing state. If you have a condition that requires ongoing treatment, we can discuss a plan for you. Most people, once back in balance, book bimonthly, monthly, seasonally or as and when they feel the need for treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments currently on offer in the UK. A 2001 study concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10 000. Some minor side effects may be experienced in a small number of patients. This may include drowsiness; nausea; dizziness; bruising; a skin rash; a dull ache or minor local swelling; or tenderness or discomfort at the site of treatment. Your symptoms may also temporarily get worse after treatment, but this is often a sign that the body is self-correcting as part of the healing process.

Why Acupuncture Works: Science-Backed treatment

Acupuncture is a proven integrative medicine that addresses a wide range of physical and emotional conditions. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, high stress, or the long-term effects of trauma, these issues often manifest as "stuck" Qi in the body. Many of my patients also find that as their primary symptoms improve, they also regain a sense of control over their health and start feeling like themselves again. The Science of Healing: Endorphins & Nervous System Regulation Modern research shows that acupuncture treatments stimulate the release of endorphins—the body’s natural "feel-good" hormones and pain-relievers. By targeting specific points, acupuncture directly influences the Autonomic Nervous System by balancing: the Sympathetic Nervous System - calming your "fight or flight" stress response. the Parasympathetic Nervous System - activating your "rest and digest" state to improve breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate Holistic Support By supporting you holistically at my Warwickshire clinic, I help strengthen your mental and emotional resilience. This "whole-person" approach ensures you are better equipped to manage stress and stress triggers, physical pain and the daily pressures of life. Find out more here