Chinese Acupuncture by Monica Daswani

Anybody! Many people come for help with specific symptoms or to relieve specific pains. Some use acupuncture because they feel generally unwell but have no obvious diagnosis, while others choose acupuncture simply to enhance their feeling of wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies and children, and it can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine.

My approach is to use a number of different methods to get a complete picture of your health and lifestyle, including taking a full medical history, reading your pulses, and looking at your tongue. Based on this information, I will make a diagnosis and put together your personal treatment plan. Acupuncture points are selected according to your symptoms as well as your underlying energy pattern. The single-use sterile needles come in sealed packs and are opened in front of you and are safely disposed of after each treatment, so you know everything is clean, safe and hygienic. Once the acupuncture needles are inserted, they are usually left in place for between 15 and 30 minutes. You may find that I’ll manipulate the needles, so that you will feel a dull bursting or numb sensation around their site of insertion. This sensation is called “de qi” or “obtaining energy”. Other methods of stimulating the acupuncture point include moxibustion (application of heat), and placing a cup over the acupuncture point (cupping). If it’s indicated, based on your symptoms, I may refer you to your GP or another healthcare professional.

Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests, so they don’t hurt and sometimes you won’t feel them at all – although you may feel a tingling or dull sensation when a needle is inserted.

Yes. Two scientific studies were published in the British Medical Journal in 2001 (MacPherson et al, White et al, both BMJ September 2001, in case you want to look them up), and they concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. The needles I use are single-use, sterile, and disposable. Responses to treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness, and very occasionally minor bruising may occur. However, these reactions are short-lived.

If you have been prescribed medication, I always recommend that you tell your doctor that you are planning to have acupuncture, and certainly do not stop taking your medication. You should also always tell me about any medication and supplements you are taking, as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment. BAcC acupuncturists are trained to recognise potentially serious underlying health conditions, soI may refer you to your GP if appropriate. If you are pregnant, suffer from diabetes or are taking anticoagulant drugs be sure to tell me before we start any treatment. If you’re in any doubt at all, talk to your GP before booking a session.

The number of sessions, and how often you should have them, will depend on your individual condition though I will normally ask to see you once or twice a week at first. You would usually feel some change within five or six treatments, but sometimes just one or two treatments will have an impact. Some people choose to have regular acupuncture treatments to maintain good health.

It is safe for you to have acupuncture while you are pregnant, but you must let me know before you begin your treatment. This is because some acupuncture points cannot be used during pregnancy. If you’re ever in any doubt, talk to your doctor before booking an appointment.

Acupuncture is now widely used and accepted all over the world. In fact, in 2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended that acupuncture should be made available on the NHS for the management of persistent, non-specific lower back pain.