Acupuncture Help

Where did acupuncture originate? acupuncture suffolk

Acupuncture originated in China, where it still features in mainstream healthcare, both as a stand-alone therapy and in combination with conventional western medicine. This ancient wisdom is now widely accepted and used all over the world. Since its relatively recent arrival in the UK acupuncture has gained in popularity and is now recognised by the NHS as an alternative or complement to western medicine for various complaints.

 

How many sessions will I need? acupuncture suffolk

That depends on your individual condition. At first I will normally ask to see you once a week. You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve. Once your health has stabilised you may need top-up treatments every few weeks. Traditional acupuncture is also very effective when used as preventative healthcare and many people like to go for a 're-tuning' session at the change of each season.

 

What does acupuncture feel like? acupuncture suffolk

Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. This is one of the signs that the body's Qi (vital energy) has been stimulated. 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.

If you are concerned that you may not like the sensation why not contact me for a free, no obligation consultation.

 

Should I do anything before a treatment? acupuncture suffolk

Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment. You should also avoid alcohol and food or drink that colours your tongue, such as coffee or strong tea. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes that can be rolled up above your knee.

 

What about my medication?

If relevant I will ask about any medication you are taking so that I can tailor your acupuncture treatment.

 

Will my private medical insurance cover the cost?

That depends upon your insurer. As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for traditional acupuncture. You should check your individual policy details.

 

How do I know that you are properly qualified? acupuncture suffolk

It is very important to know that your acupuncturist is safe and competent: I strongly advise you only to choose a practitioner who, like me, is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

All members of the BAcC can offer you the following assurances:

• BSc or BA degree level training or its equivalent in traditional acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and western biomedical sciences including anatomy, physiology and pathology (minimum 3,600 hours of study)

• compliance with current UK health and safety legislation

• full medical malpractice and public/products liability insurance cover

• expert practice skills maintained by following a mandatory individual programme of continuing professional development (CPD)

• regular updates from the BAcC regarding practitioners' professional obligations to the public

• compliance with BAcC Code of Safe Practice and Code of Professional Conduct

• patient access to the BAcC complaints and disciplinary procedures