What Will Happen During My First Acupuncture Treatment?
Before your first appointment, you’ll be asked to complete a health questionnaire. This gives me helpful background information about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, so I can begin building a treatment approach tailored to you as an individual. Acupuncture looks at the whole person, not just a single symptom, so this information is an important part of your care.
At your first session, we’ll spend a little time talking through how you’re feeling currently and what you’d most like support with, before moving into your treatment.
All appointments are carried out in a confidential, supportive environment, with time for you to ask any questions you may have. Many people find acupuncture deeply relaxing, and it’s very common to leave treatment feeling calmer and more balanced afterwards.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of treatments needed varies from person to person and depends on what you’re coming for support with. Some people notice changes after just one or two sessions, while longer-standing concerns often benefit from a short course of treatment over time. If you’ve been living with a condition for some time, it can take a few treatments before more noticeable shifts begin to happen.
Your treatment plan is always flexible and guided by how you respond. There’s no pressure to attend more frequently than feels right for you. We’ll review your progress together and adjust things at a pace that supports you and your goals.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Many people are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. The needles used are extremely fine — much thinner than those used for injections — and most people experience little or no discomfort. It’s very common to feel deeply relaxed during treatment, and some patients even drift off to sleep.
If you feel unsure about needles or have a needle phobia, please let me know when booking. We can use acupressure or other needle-free approaches if preferred, or introduce needling gradually and at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Patients who start treatment feeling nervous are often pleasantly surprised by how calm and manageable the experience feels.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. When carried out by a trained professional, acupuncture is very safe. I use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles and follow strict hygiene standards at all times.
What Should I Wear?
It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing so I can easily reach points all over the body. You’ll always be covered appropriately during your treatment, and your comfort is my priority. I have blankets available to keep you warm and comfortable, and I will always leave the room while you undress if needed.
I will always ask if you are happy for me to needle an area of your body that is covered, so you remain in control and comfortable at every stage of your treatment.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Most people feel relaxed and comfortable after acupuncture, and many notice an immediate sense of calm or lightness following treatment. Occasionally, you may feel a little tired afterwards, or experience minor bruising or tenderness at a needle site, but these effects are generally mild and short-lived. On rare occasions, some people may experience a slight headache after treatment.
To help you get the best from your session, it’s recommended to have a light meal beforehand so you’re not coming in on an empty stomach or feeling overly full. After treatment, it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water and take things gently where possible. I also recommend avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine for the rest of the day, as this can help your body make the most of the treatment.
Is Acupuncture Safe Alongside Conventional Medicine?
Yes — acupuncture can be safely used alongside conventional medical treatments. I will always take into account any medications or ongoing care you are receiving to ensure your treatment is appropriate and works safely in conjunction with other healthcare you may be having.
How Does Chinese Medicine Approach Musculoskeletal (MSK) Pain?
In Chinese medicine, musculoskeletal pain is not viewed in isolation. Pain is often seen as a sign that something deeper within the body is out of balance - such as tension, stagnation, or weakness affecting the flow of energy (Qi) and blood.
Rather than only focusing on the site of pain, treatment aims to address both the local symptoms and the underlying internal patterns that may be contributing to the issue. This is why we often say we treat “from the inside out” - supporting the body’s internal systems as well as the affected muscles, joints, and tissues.
Acupuncture is the main treatment used to regulate the body and support healing. In MSK conditions, this is often done using indirect techniques that focus on restoring balance, improving circulation, and reducing tension throughout the body.
Alongside acupuncture, I may also use supportive hands-on techniques such as cupping or gua sha. These are used to help ease muscular tightness, encourage local blood flow, and support the body’s natural healing response.
This combined approach aims not only to relieve pain where it is felt, but also to address the contributing factors that may be maintaining or aggravating the problem.