Common Questions About Acupuncture Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
How can acupuncture help me?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises acupuncture in the treatment of the following diseases, conditions or symptoms:
- Acne
- Addictions to tobacco, food, sweets, etc.
- Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
- Allergies and intolerances
- Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Biliary colic
- Cancer support
- Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
- Dysentery, acute bacillary
- Dysmenorrhoea, primary
- Emotional disturbances: sadness; melancholy; stress; anger
- Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)
- Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
- Fertility (IVF support)
- Headaches and migraines
- Hypertension, essential
- Hypotension, primary
- Induction of labour
- Knee pain
- Leukopenia
- Lower back pain
- Malposition of fetus
- Menstrual problems
- Menopausal symptoms
- Migraines
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)
- Pain management
- Periarthritis of shoulder
- Postoperative pain
- Pregnancy
- Renal colic
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scarring
- Sleep disturbances: insomnia; somnolence
- Sports injuries
- Stress
To view the WHO guidelines in their entirety and a list of diseases/disorders for which acupuncture has been tested, please visit the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) website by clicking here.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines for the NHS on the use of treatments and care of patients. Due to the difficulty in collecting scientific evidence relating to acupuncture, NICE currently only recommends considering acupuncture as a treatment for the following conditions:
- Chronic tension-type headaches
- Migraines
For the most up-to-date research and evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture, please visit the BAcC or Evidence Based Acupuncture websites.
How does acupuncture work?
According to classical Chinese medicine, Acupuncture works to restore the body’s ability to heal and regenerate itself. It does this by stimulating the movement of qi and blood within the body, thereby removing blockages that can lead to illness. According to a classical Chinese proverb, “If there is free flow, there is no pain. If there is pain, there is no free flow.” In other words, Chinese medicine proposes that it is the movement and free flow of qi and blood within the body that is necessary for the maintenance of health.
In contrast, Western medicine believes that acupuncture’s effects may be explained by the release of endogenous opioids and oxytocin following the stimulation of acupuncture points with needles.
What does an acupuncture treatment feel like?
Most patients find acupuncture treatments to be relaxing. On needle insertion, patients often describe a dull, slightly aching sensation, numbness or tingling that disappears after a few moments. Depending on the acupuncture points used, one may also feel a mild electrical shock sensation known as de qi. This sensation indicates to the practitioner that the qi at this point has been activated. Finally, one may feel nothing at all.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
The number of acupuncture sessions you may need very much depends on the specific conditions you are looking to treat. Following your initial consultation and treatment, your practitioner will discuss and agree on a treatment plan with you.
As a guideline, we recommend that you return for treatment regularly to begin with – perhaps once or twice per week. You should start to see results after the second or third session. However, keep in mind that with chronic conditions, it is likely to take more time before you see noticeable improvements.
Does acupuncture have any side effects?
Acupuncture is virtually free of side effects – the most likely of which is minor bruising at the site of needling or cupping. Although still unlikely, bruises are no cause for alarm and will clear of their own accord. However, if you have any concerns, you can discuss these with your acupuncturist.
Are acupuncture needles safe?
Acupuncture needles are entirely safe. They are much more delicate than the hypodermic needles used for drawing blood. Acupuncture needles are composed of stainless steel, are pre-sterilized, come individually wrapped and are only used once. Needles are disposed of safely in sharps containers following each treatment.
Can children or teenagers have acupuncture?
Acupuncture is completely safe for young children and teenagers.
How do I know which acupuncturist to choose?
There are many types of acupuncture, and it can be difficult for a patient to understand where best to seek treatment. However, Ben is a fully certified member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and therefore adheres to their strict code of conduct and safe practice. In this context, you can be sure that you are in the best possible care.
Acupuncture Needle Size
How big is an acupuncture needle?
Acupuncture Needle Hygiene
Single-use, pre-sterilized and individually wrapped
British Acupuncture Council
Fully Certified Member
See How We Work
Your first acupuncture treatment explained...
Case History
Step
An assessment of your general health and medical history, which includes the following:
- A physical examination: body, tongue and pulse diagnosis.
- An opportunity to raise any questions that you may have before treatment.
- The discussion of a treatment plan tailored to your requirements.
Needle Insertion
Step
Prior to the insertion of needles, the practitioner will discuss your treatment plan and the proposed locations for needle insertion. He will then insert needles to various depths at these strategic points on your body.
Needle Manipulation
Step
After placement, the practitioner may gently manipulate the needles to stimulate the acupuncture points or channels. Moxibustion or cupping therapies may be added to the treatment at this point if necessary.
The needles remain in place for approximately 20 minutes.
Needle Removal
Step
After approximately 20 minutes, all needles are removed and disposed of hygienically in sharps containers.