FAQs

Are there different kinds of acupuncture?
Yes. The most important distinction to make is between Traditional acupuncture and western medical acupuncture.
Western medical acupuncture is practiced mostly by physiotherapists and GP’s and is a more limited form of Traditional acupuncture. Western medical practitioners train in very short courses in acupuncture over the course of a few weekends and learn to treat a small group of mostly physical ailments. There is little in western medical acupuncture beyond treating symptoms, which means it may not deliver the more systemic effects that traditional acupuncture can achieve.
Traditional Acupuncturists train over much greater lengths of time and learn to diagnose holistically using acupuncture to treat a much wider range of problems, and more importantly the person as well as the complaint.
Within traditional acupuncture there are two common styles of practice, TCM and Five element acupuncture. I trained at an integrated college learning both.

What does Acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are tapped into the body through a thin plastic tube which allows the needle to penetrate the skin quickly without sensation. Once the needle is inserted, it is gently manipulated to elicit a sensation that most patients describe as a mild aching or a dull, heavy, spreading feeling. This feeling is an indication that the needle is stimulating your nerve fibres and creating change. Sometimes needles are inserted and immediately withdrawn, and sometimes they are retained for approximately 20 minutes. If the needles are retained for the duration of the treatment, most patients are unaware that they are inserted, and can lie comfortably and relax.

How will I feel after the treatment?
Most patients feel noticeably relaxed after treatment. This sense is often more pronounced after the first treatment and it is quite common to feel slightly sleepy. Conversely, some patients notice the opposite and feel more energised and awake after their treatment. Either way it is a good idea to have some quiet time after treatment, and if patients have driven to the clinic they are advised to relax in the reception area or go for a short walk to orientate themselves before driving home.

Will I need to undress?
The most commonly used points are between the elbow and the wrist, and the knee and the ankle, so often patients can simply roll their trousers or sleeves up. When points elsewhere are used patients are always given a gown to change into and remain covered up and comfortable throughout.

How much treatment will I need?
This depends greatly upon the patient and the condition for which they are seeking treatment to resolve. There are some conditions which necessitate more treatment than others, (Infertility for example requires more treatment than a sprained ankle) however most patients are advised to plan for an initial course of six once weekly treatments with a mutual review at the end of the 6. This is a good block of treatment to give you a sense of what you can expect from treatment, and it allows me to give you a prognosis. I would expect patients to notice considerable changes from the period between their initial consultation and their 6th treatment, with changes beginning after the first – second treatment. In very acute or painful conditions it may be necessary to increase the frequency of treatment from once a week.

Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture provided by a fully trained practitioner using proper procedure is one of the safest medical treatments available. Two surveys conducted independently in the British Medical Journal in 2001 concluded that the risk of a serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. Each needle is individually wrapped in sterile packaging and is used only once and then disposed of to ensure the highest levels of hygiene and safety.
Traditional acupuncturists are regulated in the UK by The British Acupuncture Council, of which I am a member. The British Acupuncture Council ensures the highest standards of training and ongoing development.

How does Acupuncture work and is there evidence?
Acupuncture works in part through its action on the nervous system and its capacity to promote the production of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain. Studies indicate that the stimulation of the body with acupuncture modulates a series of neuropeptides, which are chemical messengers that control a wide variety of body functions such as pain levels and mood. Brain imaging techniques also show that certain portions of the brain important in the perception of pain are inhibited immediately after acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture has also been found to induce both vasoconstriction and vasodilation in tissues thereby influencing blood flow and inflammation. Through acupuncture’s capacity to influence the axis between the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the ovaries/adrenal glands, it may influence cortisol secretion, and the hormones associated with the menstrual cycle. This would explain the common observation of changes in these areas as a result of acupuncture treatment.
The Acupuncture Research Resource Centre (ARRC) was set up by the British Acupuncture Council to collect and improve the evidence base for Traditional Acupuncture and to develop and apply research methods suitable for investigating it. The British Acupuncture Council can be found here.

How much does treatment cost?
The initial 1.5 hour consultation (which includes the first treatment) is charged at £65. Each 45 minute treatment thereafter is charged at £45.

Can I claim treatment back on my health insurance?
Many insurance policies do cover treatment with a Traditional Acupuncturist but different companies vary in their policies and criteria. It is best to check with your insurer first before commencing treatment if you are intending on claiming the money back.

What’s your background?
I began my studies in Chinese medicine in 1998 and initially trained as a Shiatsu practitioner. Shiatsu is a style of Japanese bodywork/massage based on Chinese medical theory. From there I went on to complete a diploma in Tui-na (Chinese medical massage) at the University of Westminster before going on to complete my degree in Acupuncture at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading.
I now operate acupuncture practices from Berkhamsted and Milton Keynes.