Acupuncture FAQs
Is acupuncture for me?
Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions, and some because they feel generally unwell. Others choose acupuncture to enhance their feeling of wellbeing or for health maintenance. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children. It can be used alongside conventional medicine.
What happens during the Initial Consultation and first treatment?
You will be asked about your current symptoms, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The focus is on you as an individual, rather than your disease or symptoms. There will be a brief physical examination too where I’ll be checking aspects such as your temperature distribution, complexion and also feel your pulses in your wrists and look at your tongue. These are all tools of diagnosis.
The points chosen to place the needles are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the problem. For example, although you might suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
Every patient is different and frequency and length of treatment depends on many factors including what we’re treating, how long it has been an issue, how you respond and your health status. Most patients need weekly treatment at first and then often the interval between treatments increases as improvement is made and sustained. For fertility clients, it’s usual to require weekly or fortnightly sessions to support the phases of the menstrual cycle.
Some patients may need treatment over several months or long term. Some feel restored after just a few treatments. In most circumstances, it is advisable to commit to a course of six weekly treatments to re-establish the balance of energies within the body.
How long does an acupuncture treatment last?
Each session lasts about 50 to 60 minutes. We’ll have a chat when you arrive to see how you’re feeling and what’s going on in your life. I will then design the day’s treatment for you. The needles may be left in multiple points simultaneously for about 20 minutes. It’s not painful and is actually wonderfully relaxing. Or I may needle each point individually, with the needle being removed immediately - the different styles depend on your needs.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Many people who have not had acupuncture before are often concerned at the thought of the needles. It is important to remember that acupuncture needles are incredibly fine, and very different to needles used to give injections or take blood. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling, numbness or dull ache.
Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture is a safe, gentle therapy and usually there are not any negative side effects. Occasionally, there may be a temporary aggravation of symptoms before they improve. As I say, this is rare and, if it happens, it is usually part of the adjustment of your energetic balance and is soon followed by an improvement in your condition.
Should I tell my doctor? Does acupuncture interfere with medication?
This is your choice but you don’t have to. I’ll ask about any medication you are taking and it’s important to keep me updated as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture has no adverse effect on medications and there is no need to stop medications before acupuncture treatment. It may be that some medications can be reduced or withdrawn as treatment progresses and improvement is made but this can only be done in consultation with your GP.
Can I have acupuncture if I’m pregnant?
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, please let me know as some acupuncture points are contraindicated in pregnancy. With this knowledge though it’s really safe, in fact nourishing during pregnancy, and can be a wonderful way to alleviate common pregnancy issues.
Are there any after effects? Is there anything I should avoid after an acupuncture session?
Most people find acupuncture very relaxing and feel calm and restored after treatment. You may feel a little sleepy after treatment and it can be good to have an early night. Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting, like a tiny bruise from the needle. Cupping and guasha can sometimes temporarily mark the skin, with some redness or bruising which is painless and usually clears within 3-5 days. It is advised to avoid alcohol on the day of a treatment as you can be more sensitive to it.
Hypnotherapy FAQs
Can hypnotherapy help me?
If you are committed to changing your behaviour then it’s likely that hypnotherapy will help you. It is important to remember that it is not a magic cure but, if you’re willing to work in partnership with me to achieve your goals then a successful outcome is likely.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
The majority of people can be hypnotised, but only if they want to be. Contrary to what many people think, hypnosis is a natural state that we tend to drift in and out of repeatedly every day, for example you might drive home and have no recollection of the journey.
How will I feel during hypnosis?
You will feel very relaxed, as though you are in a trance-like dreamy state but also aware and in control. It can feel similar to that period of time just before you fall fully asleep. In fact, you may find yourself drifting into sleep or daydreaming during the session and this is fine, as your subconscious mind will still be absorbing the hypnotic suggestions that I am giving you.
What if I don’t wake up?
Trance is a completely natural state that we move in and out of every day so there is absolutely no need to worry about not waking up. If you were left in an induced trance, you would either fall asleep and wake up naturally, or get bored and return naturally to a normal waking state. Remember, you remain in charge throughout.
Can you make me do anything I don’t want to?
No! While you are in a hypnotic state, a hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything that you don’t want to do. You are in control at all times and do have a degree of awareness. You’re working in partnership with me to achieve the result that you want.
How many sessions will I need?
Every patient is different and hypnotherapy treatments are tailored to the needs of each individual. My aim is to treat you in the most efficient manner possible, so that you can get on with your life as soon as possible. On average most people need between 3 – 6 sessions, however depending on the complaint/issue some people may need more. I’m happy to talk you through what I suggest for what you’re trying to achieve.
