FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a natural therapy based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. By gently stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture encourages your body’s own healing, restores balance, and can improve energy flow, reduce pain, and support overall wellbeing. Visit our page Acupuncture Page to find out more.

2. Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is a safe, gentle treatment when performed by a qualified practitioner. All needles are sterile, single-use, and extremely fine, so the risk of side effects is minimal.

3. Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel very little discomfort. You may experience a light tingling or warmth at the points, and many patients find the treatment deeply relaxing.

4. How many sessions will I need to see results?
The number of sessions depends on your condition. Some people notice improvements after the first session, while chronic or complex issues may require a series of treatments for lasting results.

5. What should I expect during my first acupuncture session?
Your first visit will include a consultation to understand your health history and goals. The treatment is tailored to you, and needles are placed gently and carefully. Most people feel calm and relaxed during the session.

6. Can acupuncture help improve overall wellbeing and energy?
Yes. Many people use acupuncture not just for specific conditions, but to improve energy, reduce stress, enhance sleep, and support general health and balance.

Visit our about Acupuncture page for more in depth information about Acupuncture.

PAIN RELIEF

7. Can acupuncture help with chronic back or neck pain?
Yes. Acupuncture can relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to ease pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. Many patients notice reduced pain and improved mobility after a few sessions.

8. Does acupuncture work for migraines or headaches?
Absolutely. Acupuncture can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and tension headaches by addressing the root causes of pain and stress. Visit our Headache/Migraine page to find out more about how we treat Headaches in Chinese Medicine.

9. Can acupuncture help with arthritis or joint pain?
Yes. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and relieve stiffness, helping to ease discomfort from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other joint conditions.

10. How soon can I feel relief from pain after acupuncture?
Some patients feel improvement immediately, while others notice gradual relief over a few sessions. Consistency and a tailored treatment plan are key for lasting results.

11. Can acupuncture help with sciatica?
Yes. Acupuncture has been shown to significantly alleviate leg pain and improve function in patients suffering from chronic sciatica due to herniated discs. A multicenter randomized clinical trial conducted across six tertiary-level hospitals in China assessed the efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture in this patient population HealthCMi CEUs.

12. Is acupuncture effective for frozen shoulder?
Yes. Electroacupuncture is reported to improve frozen shoulder pain and function compared with control treatments. Additionally, it can be used as an adjunct therapy for frozen shoulder pain Frontiers.

13. Can acupuncture relieve plantar fasciitis pain?
Yes. Acupuncture has been found to significantly reduce pain and improve walking for people with plantar fasciitis. A study by Wang et al. (2020) demonstrated these benefits wellbridgeclinic.com.

14. How can acupuncture help with tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, or repetitive strain injuries?
Acupuncture can reduce pain and inflammation in overused muscles and tendons, support healing, and improve function in affected areas.

15. Can acupuncture assist with muscle tension, sports injuries, or general musculoskeletal pain?
Yes. Acupuncture is widely used to relieve muscle tightness, support recovery from sports injuries, and promote overall musculoskeletal health.

FERTILITY & WOMEN’S HEALTH

16. Can acupuncture help me get pregnant naturally?
Yes. Acupuncture can improve blood flow to reproductive organs, balance hormones, reduce stress, and support overall fertility, which may increase your chances of conception naturally.

17. How does acupuncture support IVF or other fertility treatments?
Acupuncture can help prepare the body for IVF by improving blood flow and reducing stress. Many patients find it helps optimize the uterine environment and enhances treatment outcomes.

18. Can acupuncture help with period pain or irregular cycles?
Yes. Acupuncture can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce cramping, and relieve PMS symptoms by balancing hormones and improving energy flow.

19. Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes. When performed by a trained practitioner, acupuncture is safe throughout pregnancy and can help with nausea, back pain, fatigue, emotional changes, and overall comfort. We run a multi pregnancy Clinic here on a Tuesday afternoon, click here to find out more.

20. Can acupuncture help with menopause symptoms?
Yes. Acupuncture can support women through peri-menopause and menopause by helping with hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and energy levels.

21. How can acupuncture support hormone balance?
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points that influence the endocrine system, helping to restore balance and improve overall hormonal health.

CHILDREN

22. Is acupuncture safe for children?
Yes. Treatments for children are gentle and tailored to their needs. Often, acupressure or very fine needles are used to ensure comfort and safety.

23. What conditions can acupuncture help with in children?
Acupuncture can support children with sleep issues, digestive problems, stress, anxiety, and immune health, and so much more.

24. How is acupuncture for children different from adults?
Treatments are shorter, gentler, and adapted to a child’s size and comfort. Acupressure may be used instead of needles in younger children.

LIFESTYLE & PRACTICAL QUESTIONS

25. Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments or medications?
Yes. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy and can safely be combined with conventional medicine or other therapies. Your treatment plan will always be tailored to your individual needs.

26. What should I do before and after an acupuncture session?
Eat a light meal, wear comfortable clothing, and allow yourself some time to rest afterward. Staying hydrated and listening to your body helps maximize the benefits.

27. How often should I get acupuncture for long-term wellness?
Frequency depends on your goals and condition. Some people benefit from weekly sessions initially, then move to monthly maintenance treatments to support ongoing balance and health.

28. Can acupuncture help with stress, anxiety, or sleep problems?
Yes. Acupuncture promotes relaxation, reduces tension, and can help improve sleep quality and emotional wellbeing. Many patients notice a sense of calm and balance after treatments.