Will I feel the needles? 

The acupuncture needles are very fine, not all all like the larger needles used for injections or taking blood. Often you will not feel much at all. Sometimes, depending on the desired effect, a small sensation may be felt. 

This is usually experienced as a mild tingling or pleasant ache. 

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What happens during a session?

Your initial assessment will be 1 hour. A lot of this time is spent taking a history and finding out about you and your health needs. There is usually time for a small introductory treatment. Subsequent treatments are 45 minutes. Diagnosis and treatment is based upon your symptoms and physical examination and signs - I will read your pulse; I may ask to see your tongue, examine your abdomen and feel and observe for physical cues and information on how you are responding to treatment. Acupuncture needles are lightly inserted. Most people find treatment very relaxing. 

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Do I need to bring or wear anything in particular?

Come as you are. 

It can help to wear loose clothing to allow access to arms, legs, abdomen and back. There are clean towels and blankets to keep you covered and warm. 

If you are on a number of medications, please bring a list of your medication and dosages. 

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How many treatments will I need?

This will vary for everyone. In general, if your condition is recent it may respond quickly, within a few treatments; often after the first treatment. If you have had your symtpoms for a long time you may need more treatments to feel the benefit and to achieve longer lasting change. With most longstanding issues, I would usually expect to be seeing some benefit after 5-6 treatments. Usually treatment once a week is best if you are able to do this, at least initially. Many people are then able to attend less frequently as they recover their health.  

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Can I have ear acupucture?

Ear (auricular) acupuncture is used when indicated or if an individual prefers this. It is particularly useful for pain and for addiction and detox (eg. the NADA Protocol).

I will often apply earseeds on specific points which can be left in for a few days and can be helpful between sessions. 

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What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Dry needling is using acupuncture needles to stimulate trigger points (tight spots in muscles). It is sometimes used by other health care professionals who are not fully trained in acupuncture and can be very effective for pain relief. Dry needling is also often used by Professional Acupuncturists and would just be seen as a particular technique within acupuncture, among many others. 

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What is Medical Acupuncture?

Medical Acupuncture is simply the name given to acupuncture training that clinicians who already have a clinical background can access (eg. GPs, physiotherapists, nurses). The courses are much shorter than the minimum 3-4 year degree or MSc courses that BAcC Members have undertaken, typically 6 months. Acupucturists who have completed full Traditional Acupucture training will use the same techniques which are used in medical acupuncture and also have a robust training in anatomy, physiology and basic medical sciences.  Unfortunately there are now many short courses available claiming to offer legitimate acupuncture training. 

To be sure your acupuncturist is fully trained, safe and effective, check that they are BAcC registered. 

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Is acupuncture safe?

Yes.

When administered by a fully trained Professional Acupuncturist, a Member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), acupuncture is very safe. The risk of serious adverse incidents are 1:10,000.

Members of the British Acupuncture Council are bound by stringently regulated Codes of Practice and Professional Conduct and are required to complete annual CPD (Continued Professional Development).

All needles are  sterile, single use and are handled and disposed of with adherance to strict national and local guidelines. 

I am registered with Sheffield City Council to practice acupuncture at Fiveways Therapy Centre and at the Cathedral Archer Project; these premises have also been inspected and approved by the Council for the use of acupuncture.

Occasional minor bruising may occur.