HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
As treatments are individual the number of treatments needed will vary; some people may require a few and others with more complex conditions may need long-term support. It is normally suggested that treatments are weekly for the first 4-6 weeks and can then be spaced more widely as improvements are felt. <top>
IS IT SAFE?
Yes, all needles used are individually packaged, sterile and disposed of correctly. Any other equipment used is cleansed according to the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) guidelines. All members of the BAcC have undergone rigorous training in both acupuncture and important aspects of Western medicine. <top>
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE,
WHERE WILL
YOU PLACE THEM AND WILL ACUPUNCTURE
HURT?
The needles are ultra-fine and they can be positioned in many areas of the body depending on the required effect; but not always be close to the area where you are experiencing problems. They are sometimes inserted and removed immediately or may be left in place for up to 30 minutes, depending on what style of treatment is needed. When the needles are inserted most people describe the feeling as a dull ache or tingling sensation but not painful. <top>
SHOULD I LET MY DOCTOR KNOW I AM HAVING TREATMENT?
As a Western medicine co-professional, I fully understand and respect the importance of continuing with any current medication of treatment you are undergoing. With your permission I will write to your GP to make them aware that you are receiving acupuncture treatment and update them of your progress. <top>
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT FIVE ELEMENT
ACUPUNCTURE?
Treatment is simply based on the concept that for good health our bodies should be in balance and harmony; acupuncture helps to improve this balance by moving “qi” or energy. These acupuncture concepts are described in the classics and are thousands of years old. The basic principle in Five Element Acupuncture is that we are all composed of five “elements” (fire, earth, metal, water and wood) and it is the mixture of these elements which make us so individual. The weakest element can affect our health and well-being; acupuncture aims to strengthen this weakest element to restore harmony whilst addressing your specific health problems. <top>
WHAT EVIDENCE IS THERE TO SUPPORT THE USE OF ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years and is increasingly being accepted into Western culture and medicine. In 2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended that acupuncture should be made available on the NHS as a cost-effective short-term treatment for the management of early, persistent non-specific lower back pain.
There is an increasing amount of research being undertaken into the effect of acupuncture and this is helping to support its effectiveness. Students qualifying from acupuncture degree courses are now required to undertake research as part of their training and are encouraged to continue in research whenever possible during their practice.
You can get more information on current scientific research into the effectiveness of acupuncture by visiting the British Acupuncture Council.
The World Health organisation has also compiled information on clinical trials and can be accessed at:
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html but please be aware that not all of these trials are high quality randomised controlled trials. <top>
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