FAQ's for acupuncture

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After studying Traditional Chinese Acupuncture I can treat many ailments, including: 

• Hip Pain
• Knee Pain
• Ankle Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Elbow Pain
• Wrist Pain
• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Period Problems
• Menopause
• Unexplained Infertility in Men and Women
• Eczema
• Urticaria
• High Blood Pressure
• Trigeminal Neuralgia 
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• IBS
• Constipation
• Oedema
• Insomnia
• Emotional Problems
• Trauma
• Mental Health
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Circulation problems
• and so much more

No. You may feel a slight prick when I put the needle in, but it's much less than the prick you feel during an injection. Sometimes you may not even feel them. That's because the needles are much thinner. Some are as thin as a hair. You may feel a heaviness, numbness, tingling, or mild soreness after the needles have been put in. The experience will be different for everyone. Acupuncture usually doesn't cause discomfort or pain. It doesn't need to hurt to be effective.  It is actually quite relaxing most of the time.

A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it's common to receive six to eight treatments. Acupuncture, like any other health treatment, needs to be personalised to each individual’s needs. While it’s logical wanting to know what the length of the treatment will be, this is something that needs to be discussed with me here at Thornton Acupuncture Clinic. 

The first thing to consider is the nature of the ailment or condition that’s bringing you to the consultation in the first place.  Chronic illness usually takes more sessions than acute conditions. According to your progress, it’ll be decided if you need to continue at a twice weekly pace or if you can be switched to once a week.

With acute conditions, once its is cleared up, you will be able to suspend the acupuncture sessions. In most cases, maintenance sessions are in order, which can take place once a month or once every few months. 

In the case of patients with chronic conditions that are just getting started with acupuncture, it’s a good idea to start with an intensive plan. This is a way to make the most of the cumulative benefits of acupuncture. 

However, after two or three weeks, I will probably change the sessions to once every two weeks. This is a great way to deal with the symptoms and ailments of someone with a chronic condition.

There’s something called the transition phase, which is another method to determine how often you truly need the treatments. Sessions will be progressively spread out further and further. If symptoms start to reappear before the next session, then you know sessions are being spread out too much. This way you can adjust and determine exactly how often you should visit for acupuncture treatments.

Another thing to consider, funnily enough, is the seasons.

Depending on your condition, the change in seasons might affect you. In these cases, I may choose to schedule extra sessions in advance to avoid possible discomfort you might feel when the weather changes.

Some people experience an improvement right away, and for others it can take several treatments before noticing a positive change. There is no universal response to acupuncture. Some people feel relaxed and may be a little tired, others feel energised and ready for anything

You should wear loose clothing, that will permit access to your problem areas. I will usually cover you under some towels,  so that you can take your top or trousers off and still be covered up. 

It is best not to receive acupuncture on an empty stomach, as you may start to feel faint. However, do not eat a heavy meal before or after the session. Also, refrain from using caffeine or alcohol for several hours before and after the treatment. Please do not brush your tongue, as I may need to look at it to make a tongue diagnosis.

• Your pain may change. The key word here is change: change in location, severity, or intensity. ...
• Your sleep could improve (or change) ...
• Your mood may improve. ...
• You may be more aware of your body. ...
• You may have more energy.

Your first session is £85, this includes a full and in-depth consultation and your first treatment. This appointment lasts approx. 90 minutes.  Follow ups are £70 and are usually 45 mins - 1 hr.