What To Expect

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote natural healing. It can help support your physical and emotional well-being by addressing imbalances in the body.

Treatment begins with a consultation. You will be asked about any specific symptoms you have and other aspects of your health and lifestyle. Jess will also feel your pulse on both wrists and have a look at your tongue. All this information enables Jess to build up a picture of any imbalances in your system.

Acupuncture points are then chosen, which are not always close to where you are experiencing the problem. For example, if you suffer from headaches a point in the hand or wrist may be used.

Sometimes Jess will use other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques, such as cupping or moxa depending on the condition. For those who do not like needles, acupressure can be used. This involves stimulating the points through pressure, rather than needles.

Acupuncture needles are very fine and completely different from those used for injection and blood tests. When the needles are inserted people sometimes feel a tingling, dull ache or warmth around the needle.

Yes, when performed by a qualified practitioner. Jess uses single use, disposable, sterile needles and strictly adheres to the British Acupuncture Council’s Code of Safe Practice in her treatment room. Adverse reactions are rare, but at worse may include tiredness, mild dizziness or an occasional minor bruise. However, these reactions are short-lived.

Acupuncture has very few side effects and is considered safe for most people.

The frequency and number of sessions depends on your individual condition. At your initial consultation Jess will talk through a treatment plan with you, giving you an idea of how many sessions you may need. She may well ask to see you weekly at first.

Jess has a general practice and treats a number of conditions. Acupuncture can be enjoyed by people of all ages from babies through to the elderly.

Some people turn to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or condition. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain good health, as a preventative measure, or simply to improve their general sense of wellbeing.

Traditional acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation, so it can be effective for a range of conditions. Acupuncturist's treat the person, not just the condition which they have, so each patient's treatment plan will be different. However, you can always ask your practitioner about other patients experiences to give you an idea of what to expect.

Many people return to acupuncture again and again because they find it so beneficial and relaxing.

For further information and up to date research on what conditions acupuncture can treat, the British Acupuncture Council have produced a comprehensive list.