FAQ
Do I need to prepare anything for my acupuncture treatment?
Patients will be advised to come to treatment in loose, comfortable clothing.
Eating light snacks before treatment is advisable, as not being too hungry or too full.
As Chinese medicine has a tongue diagnosis, patients are advised not to scrape off their tongue coating before treatment to help the diagnosis be accurate.
It would be beneficial to the diagnosis if the patient could refrain from using perfume and makeup. However, this requirement is not mandatory and can be ignored if it is inconvenient.
Do I need to prepare anything for my acupuncture treatment?
Patients will be advised to come to treatment in loose, comfortable clothing.
Eating light snacks before treatment is advisable, as not being too hungry or too full.
As Chinese medicine has a tongue diagnosis, patients are advised not to scrape off their tongue coating before treatment to help the diagnosis be accurate.
It would be beneficial to the diagnosis if the patient could refrain from using perfume and makeup. However, this requirement is not mandatory and can be ignored if it is inconvenient.
Who can receive acupuncture treatment? Can children and pregnant women receive acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture is a very safe treatment method and can be safely received by a wide range of patients, including children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with long-term chronic conditions.
Children’s constitution will be more effective towards treatment, so we usually reduce the use of acupuncture needles in the treatment of children or even use only paediatric Tuina (massage) to achieve very good results.
Acupuncture can be an excellent support for pregnant patients and can help to reduce any discomfort during pregnancy.
Acupuncture is widely used around the world not only as a stand-alone treatment but also in combination with other forms of medicine.
Who can receive acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture is a very safe treatment method and can be safely received by a wide range of patients, including children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with long-term chronic conditions.
Is there evidence that acupuncture works?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) publishes guidelines for Headaches (CG150) and for Chronic Primary Pain (CG193) in which acupuncture was included. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) listed acupuncture for lower back pain and osteoarthritis in its Management of Chronic Pain (SIGN 136) guidelines. Detailed evidence can be found at www.acupuncture.org.uk
My health problem is not on the list of diseases treated by acupuncture, can acupuncture still help me?
Although most people think that acupuncture is primarily for helping with muscle pain, headaches, insomnia, anxiety etc., From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture applies to a much wider range of health issues. If you are unsure whether acupuncture can help your health condition, please feel free to contact me for more information.
My health problem is not on the list of diseases treated by acupuncture, can acupuncture still help me?
Although most people think that acupuncture is primarily for helping with muscle pain, headaches, insomnia, anxiety etc., From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture applies to a much wider range of health issues. If you are unsure whether acupuncture can help your health condition, please feel free to contact me for more information.
Does acupuncture treatment hurt?
Although everyone has a different tolerance for pain, most people who have tried acupuncture treatments will agree that acupuncture needles cause little to no pain because they are so fine. It is also, therefore, easily accepted by most children.
Does acupuncture treatment safe?
As a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), all treatments are subject to strict safety regulations. The equipment used in the treatment is fully sterilised and single-use. We only use single-use, pre-packed sterile needles, which will be incinerated after the treatment.
Does acupuncture treatment hurt?
Although everyone has a different tolerance for pain, most people who have tried acupuncture treatments will agree that acupuncture needles cause little to no pain because they are so fine. It is also, therefore, easily accepted by most children.
Does the NHS recommend acupuncture?
Acupuncture is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network) for chronic pain, migraines, and headaches. GPs follow General Medical Council guidelines, often referring patients to PSA (Professional Standards Authority)-accredited practitioners such as Amy who is a member of BAcC. BAcC is the accredited register for traditional acupuncture.
Will my health insurance pay for acupuncture?
As we are a member of BAcC, your treatments at Gate of Balance Acupuncture may be covered by some health policies, please check relevant terms and conditions with your insurer.
Does acupuncture treatment safe?
As a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), all treatments are subject to strict safety regulations. The equipment used in the treatment is fully sterilised and single-use. We only use single-use, pre-packed sterile needles, which will be incinerated after the treatment.
Shall I tell my GP for having acupuncture?
It is recommended to inform your GP that you are planning to have acupuncture if you have prescribed medication. During the acupuncture treatment, you will be asked about any medication and supplements you are taking.
How many sessions do I need?
The amount of treatment required varies from patient to patient, depending on the condition of the illness, the cause of the disease and the physical constitution. Generally speaking, patients with long-term chronic illnesses and those who are very weak will take longer to treat, while physically stronger patients and those who have not been ill for long will take less time to treat.
How many sessions do I need?
The amount of treatment required varies from patient to patient, depending on the condition of the illness, the cause of the disease and the physical constitution. Generally speaking, patients with long-term chronic illnesses and those who are very weak will take longer to treat, while physically stronger patients and those who have not been ill for long will take less time to treat.
