What You Can Expect
Most people’s experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture is very different and the needles bear little resemblance to these. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.
Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite, better sleep and an enhanced feeling of overall wellbeing.
A Health assessment according to Traditional Chinese medical practice is made. A full general medical history including any prescribed medication is also taken.
To discover how your energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulse on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also give a good guide to your physical health.
The aim to discover which energy channel need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
Before any acupuncture treatment is started your condition and a plan of treatment is discussed with you. Techniques and approach can vary. If for instance you were to have neck and shoulder pain then you might be more suitable for “Western” style acupuncture. This involves the needling of some superficial ‘trigger points’ in the painful area causing the tender spots to disperse.
The acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment with moxa, a smouldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body’s energy to flow smoothly. Other methods of stimulating acupuncture points include using infra – red treatment lasers or electro-acupuncture.
The first consultation will last about an hour. Subsequent treatments take approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on the nature of the medical condition.
Very fine sterile disposable needles are used and discarded after single use. Members of the British Acupuncture Council observe a strict Code of Practice regarding Hygienic procedures. The needles are quite unlike hypodermic injection needles and designed to be less painful.
There is no set number of treatments in a course but usually between three and five sessions are tried initially to establish an effect. Further treatments may then be advised and discussed.