What does it feel like?
Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or a dull ache.
Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for approximately 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
What will happen on my first visit?
Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. The acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.
You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist will feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also provide a good guide to your physical health.
Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely cause of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
There are around 500 recognised acupuncture points on the body, of which about 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.
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 lasers or electro-acupuncture. Massage or tapping with a rounded probe are techniques particularly suitable for small children or people with a fear of needles.
How often will I need treatment ?
In traditional acupuncture philosophy each person is considered as unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Some change is normally felt after five treatments. Normally you are recommended to visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week at first, although some conditions may need less frequent attention.
Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic, and only one or two treatments are required. With other patients, the effects are more subtle and they may need treatment over several months.
Should my doctor know ?
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 certain forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription.
You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
Is it safe ?
All members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) observe a Code of Safe Practice, amongst others, which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and requires the use of sterile disposable needles.
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