Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture. Doesn’t it hurt?
Acupuncture is NOT as sore as having an injection or blood taken. The needle is not hollow, but instead is almost hair-fine and flexible, which means that you do not experience the same pain/discomfort. Some patients say that they hardly feel anything, not even the needle piercing the skin! Others feel a momentary sharp sensation as the needle enters, but it’s less sore than pricking yourself with a pin, as the acupuncture needle is so much finer and sharper. As the needle reaches the acupuncture point, people describe different sensations, known in Chinese as ‘Deqi’, the feeling of the energy stimulation – “an aching warmth”, “a numbish fizzy feeling”, “a deep shooting sensation that then fades” – everyone is different but nobody has yet said they felt pain, only passing discomfort.
Acupuncture. What exactly is Acupuncture anyway?
Acupuncture is a facet of Chinese medicine first used over 2000 years ago. It stimulates certain points on the body, either with needles, heat (moxibustion), electric current, laser or pressure. The stimulation of these points has been found to help various physical and emotional symptoms. Classically, it is believed that the stimulation restores the body and mind into balance, allowing a healthy flow of energy (qi) around the meridians (energy pathways) of the body. Some people are sceptical about this hypothesis, but it is fact that acupuncture alleviates many problems, to the extent that the World Health Organisation actively endorses acupuncture for over 30 specific medical complaints, sometimes in preference to ‘orthodox’ western medicine, and allows that in a further 85 categories it is clinically effective but awaiting scientific proof.
(http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=29001)
Acupuncture. Is it safe?
I always give my patients the following to read and ask me anything they don’t understand. These points are also covered in the initial consultation:
“Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which very fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. It is generally very safe, and serious side effects are very rare, less than 1 in 10,000 treatments. You should be aware, however, that Acupuncture can have some side effects in certain cases:
Drowsiness or euphoria can occur in a small number of patients, and if you are affected in this way, you are advised not to drive after treatment. Fainting can occur in certain patients. (never had one, yet!)
Minor bleeding or bruising may occur in 3% of patients. Pain may be experienced in 1% of patients. In less than 3% of patients, the symptoms for which they seek treatment may actually worsen initially. This worsening does not mean acupuncture should be stopped, on the contrary, strong reactors respond well and quickly to modified treatment once they have informed their practitioner of their initial reaction.”
I will spend time with you on your initial attendance asking about your condition, related medical history, medication etc. and will base your treatment on your information and observed findings. During your treatment you should always let your acupuncturist know of any changes to your condition, new medications or developments – such as possible pregnancy – to ensure safe treatment.
Acupuncture. What if I’m pregnant?
Congratulations! Pregnancy does not prevent acupuncture treatment, although certain points are avoided at certain times; in fact acupuncture is very successful in reducing nausea (morning sickness) and other less pleasant things associated with pregnancy. It is also beneficial to have a consultation prior to the birth, as acupuncture, acupressure and moxibustion can help reduce labour pains, make a labour more efficient and less stressful for Mother and baby (and partner too!) and help with milk production and getting your body back into a balance again after the birth. I offer obstetric acupuncture sessions and am happy to discuss treatment options.
Depilation. Should I be waxed or have electrolysis?
The choice is up to you, but generally, if it is a large area of hair you want rid of (like your legs, back or chest) go for waxing. If you are bothered by a small cluster of hairs somewhere you’d rather not have hair, then consider electrolysis. Electrolysis will eventually kill off the hairs, so if you want the option of hairs in that area in the future, stay with waxing. Electrolysis is described as more uncomfortable than waxing, but the short span of discomfort is considered a worthwhile trade to be permanently hair-free. Electrolysis is usually employed to get rid of women’s facial hair, and it can be used to permanently de-fuzz a bikini-line, or zap the odd hair that might appear near a nipple, for example. Men might want to control chest hair that sprouts above their collar and tie, or keep their shoulders smooth. Laser depilation is also employed to control this hair but, to date, laser will not work on fair or grey hair.
