Acupuncture Questions and Answers
 

Q: What should I do before treatment?
A: It is advisable not to have a big meal within an hour of your treatment, as the digestive process may affect your pulses. Also avoid alcohol and any foods/drinks which may colour your tongue (such as coffee).

Q: How will I feel after treatment?
A: Usually you will feel rather relaxed and calm. On occasion, if the treatment has been particularly strong, you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours. It is possible that there may be a short term flair up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself.

Q: Should I tell my doctor?
A: If you are currently receiving treatment from your doctor, then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may allow you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor must be consulted regarding any change of prescription. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Q: Is acupuncture available on the NHS?
A: Not generally. In cases where your local Primary Care Group (PCG) or Primary Care Trust (PCT) have agreed a contract with a local acupuncturist, your GP may make a referral. However, you should always enquire as to the training of an acupuncturist and ensure that they have studied for a minimum three years full-time or the part-time equivalent.

Q: Why should I go to a BAcC member?
A: BAcC members have an extensive training in acupuncture and biomedical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK. As well as being covered by full Medical Malpractice and Public/ Products Liability Insurance, members are bound by Codes of Ethics, Practice and Disciplinary Procedures.

Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: This varies between patients. Certainly a course of treatment is required, one off miracle cures are unusual! Some changes either in yourself generally, or in your condition directly should be noticed after 4 - 6 treatments.

Q: Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?
A: You should only stop or reduce any medication after careful discussion with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment - because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.

Q: Does it hurt?
A: Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer, and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling.

Q: What about the needles used?
A: Members use single use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of after each treatment. British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) members observe the Code of Safe Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for other equipment.

Q: Is it safe?
A: All members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) must observe the Code of Safe Practice which defines the hygiene and safety standards relating to the practice of acupuncture. The Code of Safe Practice is available for download from the About the BAcC section of the BAcC Website (see Links page). These procedures have been approved by the Department of Health, and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases. Patients who have been treated by a BAcC member are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service.