FAQs

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese Medicine and involves a technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body called meridians along which Qi, a kind of energy, flows. This technique helps alleviate whatever form of pain or discomfort that may have occurred, be it mental or physical, by redressing any imbalance in this Qi. Different types of acupuncture are practiced and taught throughout the world.

Why have Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of problems whether they be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual in origin. The emphasis is on treating the root of the problem, looking at the person as a whole, and restoring balance to allow the body’s own healing potential to take place.

Acupuncture is wonderful for unlocking blocked energy. The feeling of being blocked may manifest in a number of ways, eg. frozen shoulder, recurring headaches, failing relationships, or an inability to plan for the future.

These are all examples of temporary states of disease but they can linger and become chronic. When health problems become chronic we can find ourselves in a vicious downward spiral where the mind and body have no real connection, Acupuncture can make a real difference in these chronic conditions. The downward spiral of ill-health can be reversed to become an upward spiral of well-being. Patients who benefit from acupuncture usually report, after a few treatments, a sense of well-being even if their main problem persists. They know deep inside that they are on the path to recovery. There is also the potential to be well in ways never before experienced or imagined. It is possible with acupuncture to go beyond the removal of symptoms and begin to live a more fulfilling life.

Acupuncture does not force solutions on patients. It simply allows people to find their own healing path. This brings with it a feeling of being in control of one’s life and all the positive benefits that flow from a pro-active attitude to life.

How often will I need treatment?
There are no set number of treatments as everyone has different rates of recovery. However, most patients commit themselves initially to 5 or 6 sessions, usually on a weekly basis, and then review progress. It is important to make this initial commitment as it usually opens the door to change.

Where Acupuncture does make a tangible difference most patients opt to return on a monthly or seasonal basis in order to maintain their health.

Is it safe?
Acupuncture has a very good track record. All of the needles used are sterile, single-use and disposable. The needles are much smaller than those used for common injections and do not cause discomfort during insertion. The sensation is more akin to minor pins and needles if anything is felt. Although rare, blood can occasionally be drawn during treatment and minor bruises may appear on the insertion points. Mild sensations of light-headedness or tiredness can also occur, but all of these things are short lived. If a patient has a phobia of needles a course of acupressure is suggested. The technique involved is similar to Acupuncture but uses fingers, hands, thumbs, elbows etc… to manipulate the points instead of needles.

Should I tell my doctor?
If you are taking prescribed medicine it makes sense to inform your doctor that you are intending to undergo acupuncture, although it should make no difference to your suitability for treatment. Please also inform us if you are using prescription medicine as this may affect your response to acupuncture.

If you are unsure about anything or have any questions please email us at acupuncture@rossbarr.com