will it hurt?

acupuncture doesn’t hurt, but it can sometimes feel a bit weird. The needles are very thin, almost like hair. So some people don’t even feel them going in. Often people report a sensation after insertion, this is usually a dull ache or pressure-like sensation, rather than pain. If you are concerned about pain, I can speak to you in more detail about what to expect during the treatment.

is it safe?

in the hands of a professionally trained practitioner, Acupuncture is safe. The needles I use are pre-sterilised, single use needles. All other equipment is sterilized before and after each treatment.

how many treatments will I need?

that will depend on the condition being treated, its severity, and the individual’s response to treatment. Some people experience improvement after just one session, while others may need several sessions over weeks or months.

want to know more?

what should I expect during a session?

will go through an initial consult  which will include questions about your health history, current health status and any symptoms that you are experiencing.  The questions are wide ranging and may seem unrelated to your specific health goal or concern – however as acupuncture assesses the body as a whole, interconnected system, this helps me identify which of your channel system’s might be out of balance and need support. I will also analyse your tongue and take your pulses. Pulse analysis is not like western medicine pulse taking, it will take a lot longer. During the treatment needles will be inserted and remain in for 20 – 30 minutes. I may also include other treatment modalities to support the treatment principles, such as moxa, gua sha, electro-acupuncture, massage, and ear seeds.

how soon can I expect to see results?

this will vary depending on what is being treated. Some people experience immediate relief after their first session, while others may notice gradual improvements over several sessions. Acupuncture is accumulative and I usually suggest 4-6 treatments before we assess progress and results. Clients with chronic conditions will likely take longer to respond to treatment.

is acupuncture covered by insurance?

coverage for acupuncture varies by insurance plan / companies. Some plans may cover it for certain conditions, while others may not. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options. Note - acupuncture often falls under the ‘complimentary therapy’ category.

are there any side effects?

side effects are rare but can include minor bruising, soreness, or minimal bleeding at the needle insertion site. sometimes you can feel very tired after a treatment, if there’s been a big shift in energy. People often feel a bit spaced out post treatment - and forget where they parked their car.

how should I prepare for a treatment?

ideally eat something light beforehand, so you aren’t having treatment on an empty stomach. Wear loose fitted clothing, so I can access legs and arms - often you won’t need to fully undress for a treatment. post treatment keep hydrated and ideally avoid stimulants like coffee and alcohol.

who can have acupuncture?

generally anyone can. but there are a couple of instances when specific treatments or acupuncture points should be avoided.

  • if you are on blood thinners or have a blood condition, acupuncture may cause you to bruise more readily.

  • if you are pregnant, there are particular acupuncture points and areas of the body that should not be treated.

  • if you have a pacemaker, electro-acupuncture should be avoided as it may interfere with the device function.