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How many treatments may I need?
The length of treatment depends on the condition,
the severity, and the duration of the condition. Often three
to six sessions are sufficient.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is generally very safe, particularly
if given by a trained medical practitioner. Serious side effects
are very rare, less than 1 per 10,000 treatments.
Does acupuncture have side effects?
- Drowsiness
occurs after treatment on rare occasions, in which case
it is prudent not to drive immediately after your session.
- Minor bleeding
or bruising occurs in 3% of treatments.
- Pain during
treatment occurs in about 1% of treatments.
- Existing treatments
can get worse after treatment (3% incidence). This may last
for a day or two and is generally a promising sign.
- Fainting may
occur in susceptible patients, particularly at the first
treatment.
Is there anything that I should
tell the acupuncturist?
Do let me know at the onset of treatment:
- If you have
experienced a fit, faint or funny turn
- If you have
a pacemaker or other electrical implant
- If you have
a bleeding disorder
- If you are
on anti-coagulants or other medication
- If you have
damaged heart valves or have any other particular risk of
infection.
Why should I go to a medical acupuncturist?
A medical acupunturist is a qualified doctor whom
administers acupuncture (not all acupuncturists are medical).
The benefits of going to a medical acupunturist are;
- A doctor is
trained in the whole of medicine, and can identify which
patients require urgent medical treatment and will advise
you if acupuncture is not suitable.
- Has the necessary
anatomical training.
- Will follow
the correct hygiene procedures and use single-use, sterile
disposable needles.
- Will be able
to communicate with other professionals such as your GP
or other specialist.
What is involved in having acupuncture?
You will have an initial assessment, including taking a thorough
history and appropriate examination. Providing time allows
your first treatment will follow and this involves fine needles
being inserted in the skin and briefly left in position. The
number of needles varies but maybe less than three.
Acupuncture therapy requiring a number
of sessions will wherever possible be scheduled at weekly
intervals.
What will I feel during and after
my treatment?
- Most people
feel relaxed and calm.
- A few, who
are strong responders, may feel light-headed and drowsy
for anything up to a few hours.
- Sometimes the
symptoms might be aggravated for a few hours and occasionally
as long as 48 hours.
- Sometimes people
describe a sensation of tingling, dullness or heaviness
whilst the needles are inserted.
- Momentary discomfort
can be experienced when the needles are inserted.
Why did the improvement last only
a few hours after the first treatment?
This observation is not uncommon but subsequent treatments
seem to extend the duration of improvement to a meaningful
degree.
The “dose” of acupuncture for
any individual can be varied by adjusting the number of needles
and how strongly the needles are stimulated.
Can acupuncture be used to treat
recurrent or chronic conditions?
It does not often cure such a disorder but can relieve
the symptoms for long periods of time. After the initial course
of treatment , booster sessions might be required months apart.
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