Here are some common questions regarding acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
If you have any further questions please email or call Ann on 01274 681107.
What should I expect during my first visit?
What are the needles like?
What are acupuncture points and meridians?
How many treatments are necessary?
What are the side effects of acupuncture?
How long does a treatment take?
Will it be covered by my insurance?
During your first visit, I may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behaviour. I will want to obtain a complete picture of your
treatment needs and behaviours that may contribute to your condition. I will also ask about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical
conditions you have.
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Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and certainly not like hypodermic needle used by western medicine. The needles are solid and are inserted into the skin
from 1or 2 millimetres to several centimetres deep dependant on whereabouts on the body you are needled. They are pre-sterilized, individually packaged,
disposable needles, so that there is no contamination or transmission of disease possible. They are usually painless upon insertion, but you may feel a slight
pricking, numbness, heaviness, or distended sensation in the area around the needle when it is inserted. These sensations usually last only a moment.
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Acupuncture points are those areas on the body that have been shown when stimulated by a needle, pressure, or heat, have an influence on pain or body
function. These points are quite small. By inserting needles into points on the meridian pathways, the normal flow of energy may be restored and balanced. The
points are organized into channels or meridians which are named after the organ systems to which they correspond.
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Initially it is usually recommended that a series of six to ten treatments be given. However every case is unique, acute cases usually respond quicker and
some can be resolved in only one or two treatments whereas more chronic cases may take longer. I will be happy to discuss your case and treatment plan with
you frankly and in detail.
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One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is the absence of serious side effects associated with its use. Rarely, there may be some slight bruising around the
area where a needle was placed.
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I believe that we all very individual. The initial visit usually lasts one and a half to two hours due to the time required for the extensive questions.
Follow-up treatments tend to take only one hour. This gives time for an update following treatment and for the needles to be in place for 20 – 30 minutes.
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Acupuncture is one of the complementary therapies that are more commonly covered by insurance companies such as HSA and sovereign health care. It is usually
covered if the practitioner is a member of the British Acupuncture Council.
However, you should check with your insurer before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture will be covered for your condition.
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