Acupuncture
FAQ's
Does
Acupuncture hurt?
How long will a visit last?
How many treatments will I need?
How do I know if the needles used are clean?
How many needles are involved?
What can Acupuncture treat?
Are there any side effects from Acupuncture?
Does acupuncture hurt?
No, the needles used by acupuncturists are extremely fine, normally
0.18mm to 0.51 mm dia. and they produce no more than a slight
tingling or a numb feeling, it is not the same as injections or
blood tests. Many patients have been known to fall asleep while
receiving treatment on the table
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How
long will a visit last?
It is usual for the first visit is the longest in order to allow
for diagnosis and a complete history taking and examination, this
will be no shorter than an hour. Following visits may be shorter,
often 30 to 45 minutes, depending on practitioner and patient
needs.
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How
many treatments will I need?
Patients will typically require two treatments in the first week
(usually the first one is mainly taken up by diagnosis) after
that weekly sessions are more common.
How many treatments a patient requires will depend on the duration,
severity, and nature of their condition and the state of their
general health. This will normally be reviewed by patient and
acupuncturist after each meeting
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How
do I know if the needles used are clean?
You should insist on disposable needles, most modern acupuncturists
will use disposable, non toxic stainless steel needles of a fine
diameter (0.007" to 0.020", 0.18mm to 0.51 mm) and sterilised
with ethylene oxide (All B.AcC. members are required to use pre-sterilised,
single use, disposable needles and they must make arrangements
for their safe disposal).
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How
many needles are involved?
Most treatments involve only one or two needles but occasionally
20 needles may be used depending on the patient and type of treatment
that is required.
The needles are usually left in for 10 to 20 minutes and courses
of ten treatments usually at weekly intervals are often required.
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What
can Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety, helping patients enter
a deep state of relaxation, which enhances the healing process
The
World Health Organization has determined that acupuncture is an
effective therapy for over 200 clinical conditions, including:
• back pain
• neck and shoulder pain
• repetitive stress syndrome (including carpal tunnel syndrome)
• insomnia
• migraines and headaches
• alcohol, food, and tobacco addiction
• accidental injuries (promotes healing)
• sprains
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• respiratory problems
• digestive problems
• gynecological disorders
• circulatory disorders
• nervous system disorders
Acupuncture also reduces stress and anxiety, and helps patients
enter a deep state of relaxation, which enhances the healing process.
Herbal medicine can increase the effectiveness of your acupuncture
treatment and is often the primary treatment for chronic internal
medical disorders.
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Are
there any side effects from acupuncture?
The great advantage of acupuncture is that, other than some occasional
slight bruising, most people suffer no side effects.
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© 2008 David W Bates acupuncture-guide.co.uk - All rights
reserved
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