Acupuncture Facts
Below are some of the most common questions asked about acupuncture treatments and interesting acupuncture facts.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles used in acupuncture are so fine that generally you won’t feel them going in, you will feel the ‘Qi’ when the needle is ‘twiddled’ which can be a tiny electric shock or you could feel a pulling sensation.
How does acupuncture work?
The needles stimulate specific points on the body which regulate the flow of Qi (energy) and blood aiming to balance out the flow of energy around the body. My clients will also tell you it works with a bit of ‘magic’ because sometimes that’s how it seems.
Are acupuncture needles safe?
In my practice I only use pre-sterilised, pre-packaged disposable needles. Each needle is only used once and then disposed of in a sharps bio-hazard container.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on several factors, how long you have had the complaint, how old you are, how willing you are to take advice and how you respond to the treatment because everyone is different.
What age do you have to be to have acupuncture?
You can have acupuncture at any age, however children under the age of 16 need consent from a parent or guardian and will need to be accompanied by the parent. Young adults between 16 and 18 need parental consent but parents don’t have to be present although in most circumstances it would be advisable.
How many needles will be used?
It is difficult to say because it will depend on the condition being treated but generally between 2 and 10 needles are used on average. For some treatments there could be over 20 needles used.
How will I feel after treatment?
You should feel relaxed and calm however if the treatment has been particularly strong you could feel a little tired. The treatment will continue to work over the next 48-72 hours and you could feel a bit out of sorts. Drinking lots of water will help with the detox affect or ‘healing crisis’.
Can acupuncture help with Fertility?
Acupuncture is an amazing treatment to help with fertility issues and with support during IVF treatment. Have a look at the fertility page here or contact me for a chat.
There are lots of websites with information about acupuncture all over the internet but here are a couple of my favourites: