Frequently asked questions - acupuncture
Where is your treatment room?
I am delighted to invite clients to my newly renovated treatment room in my home in West Horsley. The room is basking with natural light, and has step free access. I have parking on my drive and am a 12 minute walk from Horsley station.
What will happen at my first acupuncture appointment?
I will begin by asking you questions about your general health, digestion, sleep patterns and emotions, and for women, information on menstrual cycles. All of this is very relevant to diagnosis and treatment. I may ask you seemingly odd questions, perhaps about cravings, smells, seasons and other preferences your have – these all help build up a full picture of you as an individual alongside Chinese diagnostic techniques.
With your permission, I will also look at your tongue and take your pulse on both wrists.
After this, I will develop your treatment plan. Acupuncture, cupping or moxa may be included with full consent and explanation of all procedures given.
There are over 300 acupuncture points all over the body (albeit only 10 -15 used during a typical treatment!), and in order to access some points, some undressing is common. Every effort is made to maintain your modesty during treatment and towels will be used. I will discuss with you the locations of needles, and if you have any hesitation, I can use an alternative treatment approach which we can agree together. A chaperone is welcome if required.
Please allow 1 1/2 - 2 hours for your first appointment. Subsequent appointments will last 45 minutes to an hour.
What will I feel? Does it hurt?
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine sterile needles into defined points on the body, commonly on the hands, feet, arms, legs, head, back and abdomen. The needles are so fine you may not even feel them being inserted.
Acupuncture is not painful. With each needle I am looking to access and move your bodies energy or “qi”. Some sensation is likely – some people feel a deep ache, others a tingling sensation, or a feeling of “flow”, this is Qi, moving in your meridians. You may feel a reaction at the opposite end of your body. This is all totally normal and invited. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, then do let me know. I am used to clients having very ticklish feet/ or areas of their body they do not wish to have acupuncture needles inserted, this is fine and communication is key, there are many different ways of treating you and achieving your outcomes.
You are likely to feel relaxed and invigorated. Moving into a state of deep relaxation in the modern world, is something we do not achieve often enough. Relaxation activates the parasympathetic branch of our nervous system, which in itself can help regulate your emotions, energy and sense of wellbeing.
Needles are frequently left in place for up to thirty minutes, depending upon the effect required.
It is extremely useful to make a note of any changes, sensations or feelings you have after acupuncture and bring these to future appointments as this can help me assess the outcomes and how to adapt treatment for you.
If you are receiving cupping treatment or Gua Sha you will be provided self-care information for after your treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. As long as you are being treated by a practitioner who is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), you can be sure that your therapist has completed thorough training in Traditional Acupuncture and appropriate Western Medical Sciences. Look for the letters MBAcC after a practitioner’s name. I am MBAcC and have full public indemnity and liability insurance.
Minor bleeding or bruising may occur in a small number of people. All qualified acupuncturists are trained in the correct and safe practice of acupuncture. All members of the BAcC are bound by strict codes of safe practice, ethical and professional conduct and standards of hygiene approved by the Department of Health.
Acupuncture can be used by people of all ages, from children *where appropriate to the elderly
All needles come sealed in sterile, individual packs and are used once only, then disposed of. I routinely check for expiry date of needles and ensure that the most appropriate type of needle is used for you.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions you require will depend on many factors as well as your individual condition, and whether you have an acute or long-standing complaint. Whatever your particular problem, because treatment is designed to affect your whole body and not just your symptoms, you may notice other niggling complaints also get better with a course of treatment. Indeed, some people choose acupuncture when they feel their bodily functions are out of balance, but they have no obvious diagnosis. For some conditions, such as migraine, acupuncture can be given to prevent flare-ups from occurring. Another benefit of acupuncture is that it can be given alongside other therapies and/ or medication, in almost all circumstances.
Frequently, I will suggest a block of weekly sessions for approx. 4 weeks, this can be demonstrative of outcomes, which are very individual. I normally suggest then moving appointments further apart to see if you remain feeling good. After that, I tend to suggest clients come in for a “top up” session based on your needs as the incredible thing about acupuncture is often your body notices when you need some once you have it!. Fertility does require some timed sessions, which I am very happy to discuss as this will depend on your cycle.
Please do contact me so we can discuss, I will only treat you if I feel you will benefit.
What should I do prior to treatment?
Try to eat a light meal an hour or two before coming for your consultation and if possible wear loose comfortable clothing.
Please do not drink alcohol beforehand. Treatment cannot be undertaken if intoxicated or under the influence of recreational drugs.
Are there any side effects?
As acupuncture involves the insertion of needles there will sometimes be a small bruise where the needle was inserted. Occasionally, people can feel dizzy or tired after a treatment, but this passes quickly.
To help ensure that there are no unwanted side effects, please let me know of any medications that you are taking, such as anti-coagulants. Also let them me know if you suddenly feel dizzy, or hot etc so I can support you if needed. If this does happen, it is often only once if you are new to acupuncture, and doesnt happen again at future sessions.
What should I do after treatment?
Try to drink plenty of water and refrain from vigorous exercise and alcohol for the remainder of the day.
What should I wear?
Wearing loose clothing is preferable, but towels are always provided if an item of clothing needs to be removed for certain treatments (e.g. a back treatment).
What should I bring?
A list of pharmaceutical medicines and supplements you are currently taking.
Any recent medical tests or results if available.
How much does treatment cost?
Initial consultation (approximately 90 minutes) - £120
Follow up consultations (approximately 45 – 60 minutes) - £90
Pricing includes combined techniques such as Electro acupuncture, Cupping and Gua Sha.
Can I have a combined Acupuncture and Nutrition consultation with you?
I offer combined packages for fertility clients - please see packages of care here. I am willing to discuss and create a tailored package, if this feels appropriate for you, and you are able to make in person acupuncture sessions at my home in West Horsley.
I have private medical insurance - will it cover the cost of my treatment?
That depends upon your insurance company. For information on which private health insurance companies cover acupuncture please follow this link to the BAcC website. Payments are made directly to me, and I will provide a receipt recognised by insurers to you.
Is Acupuncture available on the NHS?
Acupuncture is not commonly available on the NHS, and where it is available provision can be quite limited. Some GP practices offer integrated healthcare that includes acupuncture, but this is not yet commonplace. Therefore, many people pay privately for acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been included in NICE guidelines for headache (CG150) and for primary chronic pain (CG193). It is also included in the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines Management of chronic pain SIGN 136 for lower back pain and osteoarthritis. Therefore please speak to your GP about the possibility of referral.
As the BAcC is an Accredited Register with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), GPs are permitted to refer patient to BAcC members.
What do I do if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please allow 24 hours notice. I operate a 24-hour cancellation policy whereby any appointment cancelled within 24 hour of the appointment time full payment is required. This is in fairness to other patients requiring treatment.
Please call 07766823356 to reschedule or cancel your appointment.
Get in touch
I am always happy to discuss any queries you might have and how acupuncture can support your health concerns. Please feel free to call me on 020 8261 7381or submit the below form.?