Questions and Answers
We want you to enjoy your acupuncture experience and know how important it is to ensure you feel comfortable and understand the terminology we may use
A detailed history of your complaint will be taken along with any relevant medical information. Any medical conditions past or present should be notified on your first visit together with any medications or treatments you may be receiving.
If there is anything you are unclear about, please feel free to ask for an explanation so that your needs are properly looked after. I am used to questions and feel that the more you know about your own health the better you can help yourself. Anything discussed will remain confidential.
You will need to be prepared to remove clothing especially in the first visit where I will need to see signs of pathology on the surface anatomy of the body, but be assured that I’m always mindful of patient modesty and comfort at all times.
To benefit most from treatment, please ensure that you have eaten a light meal beforehand, and refrain from any strenuous activities for a few hours. No alcohol should be taken before or after treatment.
Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong or there may be a short term flair up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself.
If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription. You should always mention any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
Not generally. In cases where your local Primary Care Group (PCG) or Primary Care Trust (PCT) have agreed a contract with a local acupuncturist, your GP may make a referral. Currently there are no PCT agreements in Surrey but this may change as the Acupuncture Council proceeds with statutory regulation.
BAcC members have an extensive training in acupuncture and bio medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK. As well as being covered by full Medical Malpractice and Public/ Products Liability Insurance, members are bound by Codes of Ethics, Practice and Disciplinary Procedures.
It depends on whether you have specific symptoms or want to use acupuncture as a preventative treatment. For specific questions or to discuss your condition please you are welcome to book a free telephone consultation.
This varies between patients. Certainly a course of treatment is required, some changes either in yourself generally, or in your condition directly should be noticed after 6 – 8 treatments.
Yes, at least until careful discussion is had with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment either because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.
Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people’s experience of needles is of those used for injections or blood tests acupuncture needles are very different. They are much finer, and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling.
Single use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of after each treatment. British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) members observe the Code of Safe Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for other equipment.
All members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) must observe the Code of Safe Practice which defines the hygiene and safety standards relating to the practice of acupuncture. These procedures have been approved by the Department of Health, and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases. Patients who have been treated by a BAcC member are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service.
Some health insurance plans, including HSA, may cover the cost of your acupuncture treatment – please click here for list and confirm with your provider. Please note that some of these insurers require GP or Consultant referral.
List of Insurance companies includes;
Health Insurers providers who approve BAcC members
ACT Plan
Buck & Willis Health Care Ltd
Clinicare
CS Healthcare
Forester Health
Healthshield
Hospital Saturday Fund
HSA
HSF
Leeds Hospital Fund
Legal & General Healthcare
Medisure
Pinnacle PLC
Royal & Sun Alliance Healthcare and Assistance
Standard Life Health Care
Sun Alliance Health Insurance
Westfield
See How Acupuncture Can Help You
Acupuncture Treatment can help with many different aspects of your health including Acupuncture for Weight Loss, Fertility Acupuncture and Cosmetic Acupuncture.