Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, in the same way as when you go to see your GP. Unless you have given your expressed consent I can not discuss your treatment with a third party. However the only time I am at liberty to break confidentiality is when required by law to do so, for instance, if you have revealed to me that you are abusing a child, vulnerable young person or adult. It is also important to note that though I am not required by law to break confidentiality if I suspect you are, or may be at risk of harming yourself I may, in such a case, contact your GP as I do have a duty of care for you.

As a practitioner I am registered with the Acupuncture Council. I have to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics of the governing body and I maintain confidentiality with each of you as above.

What does needling feel like and does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to hypodermic needles as they are much finer. It is nothing like having an injection or a blood test. When an acupuncture needle is inserted occasionally a brief sting may be felt followed by a slight ache or pulling sensation. The length of time a needle is left in situ varies from a few seconds or up to 30 minutes depending upon the nature of the condition.

Where would the needles be inserted in my body?
This very much depends upon the condition and how I need to treat you. Acupuncture points are located all over the body (no points are ever needled on breast tissue in women and the genitailia on either men or women). Also, the beauty of acupuncture is that, if for example, you were uncomfortable at having needles inserted into your hand then I can use an alternative point on another part of the body.

Can I bring my partner or a friend to treatments with me?
Yes, without question.

What type of clothes should I wear for treatment?
Loose clothing and suitable underwear is always better. Loose clothing allows access to the body without the need to remove clothing. It is best not to wear tights. However, this may not always be possible especially if coming or going to work etc. If any clothing has to be removed a gown is provided to maintain dignity.

Will I be asked to undress?
There may be times when I need to use points that may require you to remove your top, skirt or trousers. However, you are never left exposed as I provide a gown and I always leave the room when you are getting undressed and dressing. You will never be exposed during treatment.

Will acupuncture treatment make me worse?
In some instances after an acupuncture treatment you may feel worse. In such instances this may last for a couple of hours to a day or two. However, in my experience once this has passed it is common for you to feel better than you did when you first came to see me.

Will acupuncture make me feel better straight away?
This depends solely upon your individual circumstances and the condition for which you are coming for treatment. It is however, more common for people to feel better within a day or two after treatment, though some clients begin to feel better during the actual treatment. Though again this very much depends upon the individual condition.

Can I have acupuncture if I am pregnant?
Yes, acupuncture can be given at any time during a pregnancy and is commonly used to aid pregnancy, treat morning sickness, muscular skeletal problems during pregnancy etc. However, if you are trying for a baby, or are pregnant then please do inform me as this will make a difference to the way in which I will treat you?

Should I inform my GP?
This is entirely up to you. You are not obligated to inform your GP, this is a personal choice.

Can I come off my medication?
If you are taking any (medically) prescribed medication I am not as an acupuncturist in a position to advise you to cut down or stop your medication. However, if you were wishing to either reduce or stop the medication you are taking then I would encourage you to discuss this with your medical practitioner.

However, if you were taking non prescribed medication such as paracetamol, ibuprofen for pain etc, you may find that as a result of acupuncture the need to take non prescribed medication decreases as your condition/health improves.

Can I give blood?
Yes, as an acupuncturist registered with the British Acupuncture council I work to very strict codes of practice. This is recognised by the National Blood Service. If you are about to have or are having treatment or have had treatment with me up to six months previously, then I will give you a certificate stating that you have been treated by an acupuncturist who is a member of the British Acupuncture council and that it is safe for you to give blood.

Can I have any other treatments whilst having acupuncture?
Yes, I have never found there to be any concerns regarding this. Though it is important to be realistic about how much treatment you have in any given day. In certain circumstances I may suggest to you that you avoid having another treatment on the same day as having acupuncture.

How do I know an acupuncturist is fully qualified?
All fully qualified acupuncturists will hold a Licentiate Diploma in Acupuncture or a BA degree or BSc (Hons) degree in acupuncture and normally this will be indicated after the name in the form of an abbreviation. By having the qualification you can be assured that that person has studied and graduated from a recognised fully accredited teaching institution.

It is also advisable to ensure that the practitioner you are having treatment with is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. All practitioners who are members of the British Acupuncture Council will have the letters MBAcC after their name and as a member adhere to and work within strict professional guidelines, ranging from ethics to hygiene. To determine if the practitioner you are having treatment with is fully qualified and has studied at a fully accredited teaching institution please visit www.acupuncture.org.uk.

How many treatments will I need?
This depends solely upon your individual circumstances and the condition for which you are being treated. As a practitioner my objective is to do the least number of treatments required whilst at the same time bringing about the best possible outcome. In order to ensure that you are never treated unnecessarily, together we review the need for treatment every time we meet or speak with each other. This ensures that we are both aware of how you are progressing and to determine if any additional or ongoing treatment is required.

Is treatment covered by my private Health Insurance Plan?
Many private health care schemes include acupuncture as part of their cover though it is advisable for you to check with the organisation with whom you have cover before commencing acupuncture treatment.