Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any specific questions not answered below please CLICK HERE to send me an email.
Why Have Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is effective because it aims to treat both the symptoms and the causes underneath them. In other words, it will treat the cause of the migraine, rather than just providing pain relief. Treatment aims to cure the underlying problem, thereby preventing future problems, rather than merely suppressing the symptoms. All treatments also aim to help balance the body in a general way, thereby boosting the immune system and increasing feelings of energy and well being. Another benefit of acupuncture is that it provides treatment without the side effects that many drugs can induce; or indeed, help moderate side effects when drug treatment is necessary.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions including those not easily explained in western medicine. It can also treat a more generalized feeling of malaise when there is no 'named' disease. Acupuncture is a very effective tool to support general well being and health maintenance.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
From an Eastern perspective, illness occurs when the body's Qi, or energy flow is blocked. This blocked energy can cause pain, swelling and changes in the structure and functioning of the bodymindspirit. Acupuncture treatment resumes the normal flow of energy, thereby eliminating the root cause of the symptoms.
In the West, more and more research is being done to try and understand why acupuncture is so effective. Scientific research has shown that acupuncture causes the release of endorphins in the body (natural painkillers) and other hormones such as serotonin and that it also has an effect on the adrenal glands. However, even this does not fully explain its effectiveness and far reaching benefits, so more and more research is being done.
Will It Hurt?
Acupuncture is not a painful or unpleasant experience. The needles used are much finer than those used in injections and are about as thick as a coarse hair or fine wire. The sensation felt is often described as a tingling or dull ache and is not painful. Patients often report feeling relaxed or invigorated during and after treatment.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most people start with weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks, and then come less frequently as their condition improves. During pregnancy, if you’re struggling, you might come for treatment more in the first and third trimester, and less in the second. For pregnancy induction you might come a few times in one week. Each individual and their condition is unique, consequently response to treatment can vary. The benefits of treatment can usually be felt straight away, although a series of sessions may be needed to bring about sustained change. If you would like a more accurate view of how many sessions you might need, CLICK HERE and send me an email, or better still, call me for a more personal response.
How Long Is a Session?
The first session will last up to 2 hours. A full medical history is taken, covering all aspects of your past and current health and lifestyle, as well as your family medical history. A treatment is then given. Subsequent follow-up sessions last approximately one hour. (An exception to this is for pregnancy induction, when all sessions are one hour).
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What Happens During a Session?
The session is divided between talking/feedback and treatment that involves lying or sitting on a couch while the acupuncture points are used. The treatment may involve pressure and/or the insertion of needles, or the application of heat via moxa (a herb used in Chinese medicine). The majority of acupuncture points used are below the elbow or knee.
Is It Safe?
Acupuncture is a safe treatment for children and adults alike. When practiced by a competent practitioner, it has no adverse side effects. As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, Mina Haeri is bound by a strict code of conduct and practice and bound by the Council's code of ethics. Members are also required to undergo ongoing professional development and remain up-to-date in their field.
Does Acupuncture Conflict With Western Medicine?
Acupuncture can be used safely alongside western medicine. It can also be used to alleviate the side effects of western medical treatment such as those experienced in chemo and radio therapy and is used very effectively to minimise any side effects experienced during IVF.
Can I Keep Taking My Medication?
There are no contraindications between western drugs and acupuncture. In fact, acupuncture can help reduce the side effects of some medicines. You may keep taking your drugs or you may find that (with the consent of your doctor) you are able to reduce your dependency on them as a direct result of the acupuncture treatment. For example, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your use of painkillers, antidepressants or asthma medication and no longer need sleeping tablets for insomnia.
Will My Insurance Pay For Acupuncture?
Many insurance companies now cover acupuncture treatment by either self-referral or referral from your GP or specialist. If uncertain, please check with your insurer.
If you have any further questions not answered here, CLICK HERE to send me an email
Registered member of the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC). Past member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) - South West London Listing for Acupuncturist in Clapham and Battersea. Acupuncture in Chelsea, Tooting, Earlsfield and Wandsworth. Pregnancy, Fertility and Infertility Specialist in South West London.
