FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?
The first appointment normally takes an hour and a half, in order to assess the patient and make an accurate diagnosis. After talking about your health in detail, you will have your first treatment.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
First session (around 1½ hours): £70.
Subsequent sessions (around 45 minutes): £50.
For clients returning after a gap of a year or more: £60 for the first session (about an hour and 15 minutes).
Cancellations at less than 24 hours notice: £25.
No hidden extras.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
There is usually a dull ache, a tingling feeling, or a pulling sensation, which most people do not find at all unpleasant. The needles are very fine and much smaller than the type used for injections. A feeling of calm and relaxation follows as the body's energies are brought into balance.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
4 to 6 sessions, coming weekly, is normally recommended to begin with. After that the treatments will be spaced further apart. Everyone is different, so the rate of improvement varies. Some people only need a few sessions, while others feel continued benefit and may have ongoing treatment several times a year.
CAN CHILDREN HAVE ACUPUNCTURE?
Yes! Acupuncture is suitable for ALL ages. Children tend to respond quickly to acupuncture.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Yes! All needles are sterile and disposable. I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council
(http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/), which insists on a very high standard of hygiene approved by the Department of Health. All members of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC) are properly trained at approved colleges and fully qualified and insured.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COME FOR ACUPUNCTURE?
The first appointment normally takes an hour and a half, in order to assess the you and make an accurate diagnosis. After talking about your health in detail, you will have your first treatment.
SHOULD I TELL MY DOCTOR?
It is up to you if you wish to tell your doctor you are having acupuncture. Having acupuncture may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but you should consult your doctor if you intend to do this. Always tell the acupuncturist about any medication you are taking.
CAN I HAVE ACUPUNCTURE WHEN PREGNANT?
Yes! Acupuncture can help with many issues associated with pregnancy and is perfectly safe. Back pain, pregnancy sickness, pubis symphisis pain and headaches are just a few of the things I have helped resolve for pregnant clients.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
More research is being done on acupuncture all the time, and often shows acupuncture to be effective. Although science has only touched the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding how it works, I hear my clients say how much it has helped them every day when I am in the clinic. Please click below to read some quotes from just a few of my satisfied clients.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST TREATMENT?
When coming for acupuncture try to avoid having an empty stomach, although it is best not to have eaten a heavy meal just before treatment. Wearing loose or easily removable clothing (e.g. sleeves and trousers that roll up easily) is helpful but not essential.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?
You may well be surprised at how comfortable and relaxed you feel. Acupuncture usually turns out to be far less scary than some people imagine! You may feel tired after the treatment and sleep more deeply than usual that night, which is a good sign that it is working. Some people immediately feel more energised - everyone is different.