Does acupuncture hurt? Not usually. During the treatment, a dull ache often develops at the needle point (considered to be a good therapeutic sign) but the needles are so fine that people having treatment for the first time are pleasantly surprised, finding the treatment to be very relaxing and therapeutic.

Do I need to believe in acupuncture in order for it works? No.

How will I feel after acupuncture? Usually relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong or there may be a short term flaring up of your symptoms as your Qi (energy) clears and resettles itself.

What is the difference between us and other acupuncturists? We understand that there are differences in style and practice of acupuncture outside China, such as Five Element acupuncture, triggers points acupuncture or dry-needles. We practice Chinese style acupuncture together with a complementary treatment of Chinese herbal remedy, Acupressure, Moxibustion or Cupping.

What about the needles used? All needles used in our clinic are pre-sterilised for single use and disposed after each treatment, following the Code of Practice of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture UK (www.atcm.co.uk/) which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation of equipment.

Can I get cross infection from acupuncture? We practice acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies by strictly adhering to the Code of Practice of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture UK (www.atcm.co.uk/). The code defines the hygiene and safety standards relating to the practice of acupuncture, which have been approved by the Department of Health, and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases.

Can I donate blood after an acupuncture treatment? Please refer to Item 6 of the Code of Practice of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture UK (www.atcm.co.uk/). Please be advised that according to Blood donation authority patients who have had acupuncture by ATCM registered practitioners need to defer 4 months before giving blood.

Is there any type of prepared Chinese medicine available? Yes, there are many types of prepared Chinese herbal medicine available in the form of decoction, tablet, ointment, powders, etc.

How much treatment do I need? Depends on individual conditions, such as, type of problem, period with the problem, seriousness of the problem and body conditions. For example, a muscle problem such as tennis elbow may only need one or two sessions but if it’s been with you for months it can be harder to tackle because more muscles may probably become involved. An illness such as ME or Rheumatoid Arthritis may require long term treatments as the illness is much more complicated.

Who can take Chinese medicine remedies? Chinese herbs can be taken by all age groups from young babies to the elderly, but you must tell us if you are under other medication.

I am concerned about the use of endangered species in Chinese herbal medicines. We do not use any herbal remedy which contains any part of endangered species.