Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture in general is very safe. Serious side effects are rare. All treatments are carried out according the standards of the British Acupuncture Council and detailed in the BAcC Codes of Safe Practice and Professional Conduct. Treatment rooms and equipment must conform to standards of these codes and has also been approved by a Sevenoaks environmental health officer.

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Does Acupuncture have side effects?

• Drowsiness can occur after treatment in a small number of patients, and if affected, you are advised not to drive.

• Nausea and dizziness can also occur in a few cases.

• Minor bleeding or bruising can occur after Acupuncture.

• In a few instances, fainting can occur in patients, particular after the first treatment.

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To minimise the risk of side effects, it is preferable to make sure you have had enough sleep and have eaten a couple of hours prior treatment.

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What kind of needles do you use?

To reduce the possibility of infection from Acupuncture, all needles are pre-sterilised, one time use needles. After each treatment, these are disposed of as medical waste and never reused. Your practitioner has had training in clean needle technique.

 

What is Moxa?

Moxa is a dried form of the artemisia vulgaris latiflora herb that is burned and used in different forms such as a compressed stick hovered over points or along acupuncture Channels, or small pyramid shapes placed on acupuncture points, to introduce heat and to stimulate movement of ‘Qi’. Your practitioner has been trained in safe application, to minimise the possibility of burns.

 

What is Cupping?

Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create a suction, stimulating circulation and working out waste products/toxins or ‘stagnation’ and ‘pathogenic factors’ from the body, according to Chinese Medicine. Traditional glass cups gain suction from the quick insertion and removal of a flame before being placed on the body, so it can have a pleasant warm sensation. Other types of cups are made of plastic or silicon.  Cups are washed and sterilized after use.

 

What is Gua sha?

Gua sha involves ‘scraping’ an area of skin with a tool in order to stimulate circulation and work out ‘pathogenic factors’ from the body. Clean, single-use lids are used nowadays, for hygiene purposes.

 

Cupping and Gua sha almost always will leave marks, which take between a few hours and a few days to go. Your practitioner can show you pictures of what that could look like. Please avoid showering/bathing for a few hours afterwards, and wrap up warm if going into the cold or wind.

 

Is there anything your practitioner need to know?

Apart from the usual medical details, it is important you let your practitioner know:

• If you have any current infections or viruses

• If you have ever experienced a fit or fainting

• If you have a pacemaker or any other electric implants

• If you have a bleeding disorder and/or taking anticoagulant medication e.g. Aspirin, Warfarin etc.

• If you have damaged heart valves or a risk of infection

• If you are pregnant (acupuncture is usually fine after the first trimester)

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What can I expect during my first treatment?

Do let me know if you are completely new to acupuncture so extra time can be made to explain what happens and to ensure that you are comfortable at all times. The first session lasts approximately 1.5 hours to ensure that a comprehensive case history is taken. Follow up visits are about 50 minutes. Most people experience relaxation and calmness during and after an acupuncture treatment. They may feel tired and this should be taken into account when driving or using heavy machinery afterwards.  Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self correcting. To minimize risk of side effects, it is preferable to make sure you have had enough sleep and have eaten within a couple of hours of treatment. It is best to refrain from exercise or alcohol for several hours after treatment

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Does my insurance cover Acupuncture?

Please click here for a list of private insurers that offer some form of insurance but this is depending on the company and the policy. Please contact your insurance provider for more information.

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