Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can acupuncture help with?

Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Acupuncture can benefit a wide range of conditions including pain relief, helping with emotional problems and stress, supporting fertility and giving up smoking. Acupuncture treatment can also be used as a preventive measure to strengthen a personal constitution. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary between individuals.The benefits of acupuncture often include more than just relief from specific symptoms or conditions. Many people find that acupuncture treatment can also lead to an enhanced sense of well-being; this may include increased energy levels, motivation, better appetite and sleep patterns.

 

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture needles are very fine and solid, not hollow, they bear little resemblance to those needles used in injections. When the needle is inserted you will feel a little pin prick in the skin that is very slight and lasts for only a second. You may feel a sensation after the needle is inserted. The type and strength of the sensation varies from person to person, and also varies depending on the location on your body. The sensation might be a mild tingling, a dull ache or a feeling of heaviness.

 

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very fine and the sensation is usually mild and lasts only for a moment. You may not feel some of the needles at all.

 

Is acupuncture safe?

The British Acupuncture Council sets out a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene including the use of sterile, single-use disposable needles. These procedures have been approved by the Department of Health and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases. Acupuncture is a low risk, safe and non-invasive therapy with no inherent side effects. Some people experience mild bruising, headaches or lethargy, however these symptoms will pass after a short period of time.

 

Are Chinese herbs safe to take?

Yes, they are very safe when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. In comparison to Western pharmaceuticals they have remarkably few side effects. As with any medication there can be adverse reactions but in the case of Chinese herbal medicine these are very rare.

 

Who can take Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine can be used by people of any age or constitution. Any previous or current illness, or medication, is taken into account before prescribing Chinese herbal medicine.

 

How do I take Chinese herbal medicine?

Traditionally, Chinese herbs are boiled as a tea to extract the essence of the herbs, which is then drunk by the patient.

 

What will happen on my first visit?

Your first consultation will be longer than subsequent sessions. You will be asked about your current symptoms, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. Your pulse will be taken on both wrists and your tongue will be examined. Your blood pressure may also be taken. Normally, your first acupuncture treatment session will follow the initial consultation.

 

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on the individual and the condition being treated. It is therefore very difficult to say how many treatments will be needed but an estimate can usually be given following the initial consultation. As a general rule, chronic (long term) conditions require longer to treat than acute (short term) conditions.

 

How do I book an appointment?

Please ring The Chinese Medicine Centre on 01270 629222 to make an appointment for your initial consultation. Alternatively, complete our Contact Us form and we will contact you as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

 

If you have further questions or are still not sure whether acupuncture is right for you please call us on 01270 629222, contact us or email us at info@cmcheshire.co.uk and we will be happy to answer any questions.