TOP QUESTIONS

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE? 

Yes! (But what did you expect me to say?)

Generally very safe, unless you see someone who knows nothing about it or uses needles that aren’t sterilised or designed for the job. Go and see a qualified acupuncturist.

Serious side-effects are very rare – less than one per 10,000 treatments.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HAVE SIDE EFFECTS? 

You should be aware that:

• Drowsiness occurs after treatment in a small number of patients, and, if seriously affected, you are advised not to drive. 

• Minor bleeding or bruising occurs after acupuncture in about 3% of treatments. – Pain during treatment occurs in about 1% of treatments. 

• Existing symptoms can get worse after treatment (less than 3% of patients).

• You should tell your acupuncturist about this, but it is usually a good sign.

• Fainting can occur in certain patients, particularly at the first treatment.

In addition, if there are particular risks that apply in your case, these will be discussed with you.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT? 

Most people agree that at most it feels like plucking out a hair from your scalp. That’s as the needle slides through your skin. 
Acupuncture needles are very slim, and they slide in very easily.

So, not much.

But many people say they feel nothing as the needle goes in.

However, that’s not quite the end of the story because once the needle reaches the necessary depth (often just a few millimetres), if the acupuncturist knows what she or he is doing, a sensation known as ‘deqi’ (“day-chee”) is often felt as the needle begins to do its job.
‘Deqi’ means ‘grabbing the qi’ and it’s the start of the treatment. It’s hard to describe: not pain, but more like a tightening or gripping. 

Some people say it feels numb or heavy. Sometimes the sensation travels along the meridian or channel, or is diffused round the needle.

Normally this deqi sensation gradually dissipates within a few minutes.
Don’t be too worried about this deqi sensation! It’s not a big deal, and although getting deqi isn’t always necessary, it’s useful feedback for you and for your acupuncturist.

Deqi is not used in all forms of acupuncture. Japanese acupuncture, for example, seldom needs to get it, but acupuncturists using this method often know if their needling has been successful because of other forms of feedback, such as the disappearance of sensitivity or pain somewhere elsewhere on the body. 

HOW LONG WILL A TREATMENT TAKE? 

Apart from the first session, treatments seldom take more than 45 minutes, but we usually allow one hour so that you don’t feel hurried.

However, the first consultation is important. Don’t rush it. That’s where your acupuncturist finds out about you and the reason for your visit.