Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe, when carried out by a professional with extensive training. As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, I am committed to following both their Code of Professional Conduct and the Code of Safe Practice for Acupuncture, which defines the standards for the safe and hygienic practice of acupuncture.

As a British Acupuncture Accreditation Board qualified member, I am degree-level trained in acupuncture, I have had full anatomy and physiology training with an extensive focus on risk and safety. I’ve also undergone extensive in-person clinical training and I carry out regular risk assessments and continuous professional development (CPD) throughout the year.

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture should never be painful. The sterile single-use needles we use are very fine – as thin as human hair. Everyone’s experience is different, but common responses are a fleeting tingling or dull sensation and this is a very good sign as it means the treatment is working.

How many treatments will I need?

Acupuncture is a bespoke form of medicine, therefore Melanie will recommend a course of treatments best suited to you and your symptoms. How long you have had your condition and how complex it is often informs how many treatments you will need. After your initial consultation, Melanie will be able to give you an estimate and this will be repeatedly reassessed due to how you respond to treatment. Acupuncture is cumulative, therefore regular, frequent sessions are recommended initially to get the best results; the longer time between treatments, the longer it will take to alleviate symptoms.

What do I do when the needles are in?

Acupuncture is a very relaxing treatment. You will lie down on a lovely treatment couch (heated, if you wish). Along with some aromatherapy and peaceful music, this usually ensures clients fall into a lovely slumber. This is time for you.

What can I expect from the first consultation?

As a degree-level trained Acupuncturist, Melanie will take your full medical history, examine the site of your symptoms, read your pulses and look at your tongue as this helps to create your treatment plan. Melanie will decide which combination of points is right for your whole body and your symptoms.

Can I have acupuncture if I’m pregnant?

Treatment can safely continue throughout pregnancy, supporting symptoms such as morning sickness, nausea and fatigue and preparing the Mother mentally, emotionally and physically for labour. Research has shown that labour preparation from 37 weeks onwards can shorten the length of delivery. After 40 weeks, acupuncture can be used to encourage the natural onset of labour and is also beneficial for breastfeeding, urinary issues and general well-being postpartum.

At what stage of my fertility journey should I start acupuncture?

Some women start acupuncture just as they begin trying to conceive, to rebalance the system after years of contraception, for example. They may have underlying health issues such as endometriosis or PCOS. Others find acupuncture just before starting an IVF cycle or after failed rounds or there may be secondary ‘unexplained’ infertility or pregnancy loss. Melanie can offer support at whichever stage you are at. Acupuncture is so much more than needles, particularly in the case of fertility, as Melanie provides emotional support, and may recommend Western medical tests to fully understand what’s going on. Acupuncture studies have also shown a significant increase in live birth rates when used alongside an IVF cycle. Please read more on the Fertility Acupuncture page

I’m currently undergoing medical treatment, is this OK?

Acupuncture is non-invasive and in the majority of cases, it won’t interrupt or hinder other medical treatments. The use of acupuncture alongside certain protocols, such as cancer treatment, can help to alleviate side effects and improve quality of life. Acupuncture complements Western medicine and is trusted in many hospitals and clinics worldwide. Melanie is also trained to work alongside prescribed medications. However, in certain cases and if you are unsure, it may be appropriate to seek approval from your doctor or consultant before starting a course of treatment. Do feel free to express any concerns you may have with Melanie at the time of booking.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for treatment?

Please have a light meal a couple of hours before your treatment and ensure you are well-hydrated.

What should I wear?

You should feel as comfortable as possible, therefore loose-fitting clothes are helpful, but not essential. You will only need to expose certain parts of your body, typically your forearms and lower legs. If you need to remove any items of clothing your underwear will always stay on and you will be covered so that only the part of the body being worked on will be visible.

What should I do post-treatment?

The benefits of the treatment will increase the longer you can stay relaxed. Having any other treatments on the same day or any strenuous exercise is discouraged. Please ensure you remain hydrated, it is also advisable to avoid alcohol on the day of your treatment.

Can I have acupuncture even if there isn’t anything ‘wrong’ with me?

Absolutely. Regular treatments are a powerful way to maintain balance in the system and therefore prevent imbalance which leads to illness. Preparing your body for seasonal changes is a great way to use acupuncture, for example supporting the immune system in anticipation of the cold/flu season or hay fever, ideally treated in Winter.

I have multiple health issues, how will you help me?

Chinese Medicine is the earliest form of functional medicine, meaning that it treats the individual, not the disease(s) and seeks to find the root cause so that you can finally start to feel better. We are well prepared to treat clients who may be visiting as a last resort after seeing countless doctors and having had multiple tests and a range of medications. Often in our quest to find the root cause of a client’s symptoms, we find there is a connection between the issues that are occurring. This means lots of things can be treated at the same time.

Any further questions? Please get in touch with Melanie who will be delighted to answer any queries you may have.