Frequently Asked Questions
 

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their locations.

Why Choose Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been identified by the British Medical Association as being the top complementary treatment, with 75% of GP’s wishing to see it more widely available on the NHS. It has been developed and used for over 3000 years in China, with great success and for many aliments.

 click here >>> for a list of treatable conditions.

What should I expect during the 1st session?
During the first consultation Dan will ask many questions on many subjects for example, life style, medical history, diet, sleeping patterns, digestive system, and emotional states. This information is all very revealing as to what is going on within your body, and will remain confidential. To add to this, Chinese Medical Diagnosis involves taking the pulse on both wrists, and looking at the tongue, face, hair and nails, these aspects help to give a clear image of you and your situation. At this stage depending on time and the complexity of the case you may receive your first treatment.

What will be different about consecutive treatments?
A usual session will involve a short chat about how things have been since the last treatment, how things have changes. Dan then checks the pulse and tongue to see how they may have changed and this could mean treatment protocol would changed to. Once the needles are in Dan then allows you to relax and he may use some Reiki to aid in you treatment. As treatment comes to an end the needles are removed and you are roused from relaxation gently and sent on your way. For your comfort and safety, Dan will be in the treatment room at all times.

What should I wear?
Dan asks for his patients to wear loose fitting clothes to allow access to arms and legs, some people wear shorts and loose fitting vest top or t-shirt. Occasionally access to the tummy is necessary so please no one-piece outfits and avoid wearing tight stockings. For diagnostic reasons it is preferred to use as little make as possible on treatment days.

How long is the appointment?
All appointment last  1 hour includes the initial consultation. Depending on the complexity of the case, this may be followed by a short first treatment.

How much does a session cost?
All Clinic appointments cost £40. To find out where your most convenient clinic is click here.

Do you have concessionary rates?
Yes I have a lower rate for Children under the age of 16

Do you do Home Visits?
Yes There are a limited number of home visits available for special circumstances, these treatments are more expensive at £50 to reflect travel and out of clinic time.

How many treatments will I need?
That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.

Are the needles clean?
The best practice among acupuncturists today is to use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. Needles are never saved and reused for later treatments. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.

Are you registered?
Yes. I am registered with the British Register of Complementary Practitioners (BRCP) who are linked with the Institute of Complimentary Medicine (ICM) Dan is also looking at becoming a member of the Chinese Medical Institute and Register (CMIR)
 
How deep do the needles go?
That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient’s size, age, and constitution. Usually, needles are inserted between ⅛ to 1 inch in depth.

Does Acupuncture hurt?
Dan uses the highest quality needles and the lightest of needling techniques, aiming at a pain free treatment, once the needle is in you may feel a heavy or electrical feeling, sometimes you feel a distending or tingling sensation that may travel up and down the effected meridian or energy pathway. Dan likes to treat his patients as he would like to be treated and so would expect you to say if for any reason you are uncomfortable during treatment.

How does acupuncture work?
Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy pronounced Chi) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is in excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, “If there is pain, there is stagnation of Qi. Where there is no pain, there is free flow of Qi”

Are there different styles of acupuncture?
Yes, there are. Acupuncture originated in China but has spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, and America. In different countries, different styles have developed based on differing opinions as to theory and technique. In Western Medicine they use trigger point Acupuncture or dry needling, which is needling without knowing why it works. Dan practices Syndrome Acupuncture which is used in mainstream medicine in Asia, it takes into account the whole body and involves a much more in depth diagnostic and treatment protocol.

Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.

1. Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
2. To prevent loss, do not wear jewellery.
3. Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings.
4. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry or after a large meal.

Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
Yes.
Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask Dan any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.

1. Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your Dan.
2. Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This sometimes occurs if you are nervous, tired or hungry. Tell Dan immediately so he can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also let Dan know if you feel an increasing amount of pain at any point during the treatment.

If you have any other specific questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Contact information

Home - About Dan - About Treatments - Treatment Rooms - Ailments Treated - FAQ's - Links