Welcome

FAQs

Why have Acupuncture treatment?

Acupuncture can help many different problems.  Acupuncture treats the whole person, going beyond treating a western diagnosis. Its holistic approach considers physical, mental-emotional and spiritual health.

What can Acupuncture treat?

Your individual concerns are best discussed by contacting me.  You don’t need a diagnosed problem to benefit from Acupuncture.   You can follow this link to learn more about research on a variety of  conditions which have been treated beneficially using Acupuncture. I can treat people aged 16 -100 and beyond.

Does Acupuncture really work?

Acupuncture has been used for 2,000 years and has been developed and refined over this period.  Acupuncture has an increasing body of evidence-based clinical research, from decades of high quality clinical trails. You can also read personal recommendations where my patients talk about what they got out of treatment with me here

Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?

No. Acupuncture is also used to treat children and animals who do not understand or believe in the process of Acupuncture.  A positive attitude to wellbeing may enhance the treatment, just as a negative attitudes or lifestyle can hinder the treatment.  Being uncertain and neutral about the effects of Acupuncture will not influence the outcome of treatment.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments, both conventional and complementary, on offer in the UK when performed by a fully trained and qualified practitioner.

Surveys in 2001 and 2003 suggest that the risk of serious adverse reaction to Acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000.  This is far less than many orthodox medical treatments.

As a Member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), I have to uphold their high standards.

The sterile needles are single – use and are disposed of safely as clinical waste.

What are your qualifications to be an acupuncturist?

Bsc (Hons) degree in Acupuncture and was granted a Licentuate of Acupuncture (LicAc) in 2011.

I continue to build on my training through Continued Professional Development (CPD).

I attend ongoing supervision/ mentoring to keep my practice at the highest standards.

Read more about me here

What do acupuncture needles feel like?

Acupuncture needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted.  Then they are adjusted and this can come with some sensation, such as a tingle or dull ache, which then subsides; this sensation often tells me we’re in the right place. Many people feel deeply relaxed with the needles in and will rest or sleep.  Those people with an aversion to needles often end up enjoying acupuncture due to its positive effects and relaxing treatments.

Are there any side effects?

On occasions, a small bruise may appear.  Occasionally, people can feel dizzy or tired for a brief time after treatment.  These side effects are transitory and will resolve by themselves.

How much treatment will I need?

This is a difficult question to answer as all patients have different needs; I will discuss with you how much treatment I suggset you have.  Often this is to start with 5-6 treatments, weekly if possible, and then review how you are improving with treatment.

Your first appointment will usually last 90 minutes and further appointments last 50 minutes.

How do I need to prepare for treatment and what do I need to bring with me?

  • Have a light snack before treatment and avoid having a large meal.
  • Try to arrive a little early, so you don’t have to rush.
  • Use the toilet if you need to – you may be spending 20-30 minutes resting on the treatment couch.
  • Try to be relaxed.
  • Turn off your mobile phone if you have it with you.
  • Bring your reading glasses to your first appointment with you if you wear them.
  • If possible wear loose comfortable clothing that allows access to your limbs.
  • You will need to remove your watch and bracelets for your pulses to be taken during treatment
  • Be ready to tell me about your symptoms at your first appointment.  If you have any other information, such as hosptial letters or your prescribed medication and supplements please bring these too.
  • At further appointments, report how your symptoms have been and report new information.
  • Plan to have time to rest after your appointment.
  • Bring your diary to plan your next appointment.

Where do you practice?

Please see my clinic location information here.  I practice in Burnham-on-Sea, in Somerset UK

What payments methods do you accept?

Payment accepted by card (or contactless), cash, bank transfer or Inspiration Acupuncture Gift Certificate. Card payments can be from: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Diners Club, Discover, Maestro, Visa Electron, VPay.  Or mobile wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay.

Inspiration Acupuncture Gift Certificates are available for one or more treatments – give your loved one treatment to help their health or for relaxation.   Please contact me for more details.

You’ll be offered a receipt; if you need one for an insurance company I will make sure it complies with their needs.

I’m not sure about having acupuncture …..

You are welcome to contact me to plan a free 15 minute telephone discussion on what you would like help with and to ask any questions.

Further FAQs available here

Have anything else you’d like to know?  Please Contact Me to ask me any further questions, I’ll be happy to help.