Frequantly asked questions

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice for balancing the flow of life force energy in the body called "QI". This is practiced with the use of needles inserted through a person's skin at specific acupuncture points of the body. There is also increased use of this method for treating pain and relief from discomfort.

Other treatments may include cupping, Gua Sha, Auricular seeds, Electric stimulation and moxibustion.

The patient either supine or prone position for the treatment. For the insertion of the needle through the skin in various depths, depending on the treatment strategic points. These needles are thin so patients will not feel pain but can feel some mild discomfort. Once it reaches the exact path of the meridian, patient may be feeling some sensation. After needle placed in certain point, practitioner may manipulate reinforcing or reducing techniques depends on the patient’s condition to achieve the "De Qi" opining the blockage in the meridian. The needles retention time 25 minutes to 60 minutes depends on patient's condition.

When competent, certified TCM practitioner using sterile needles, the risk of acupuncture is low though, Patient may experience soreness or minor bleeding, or bruising where the acupuncture needles were inserted. We use single- use disposable needles in our clinic thus, the risk of infection is minimal. 

There are cases such as feeling lightheaded or dizzy, patient should avoid driving until they feel better. However, if any symptoms worsen or continue after the treatment, please inform your practitioner.

After the treatment, Patients should avoid stressful situations, vigorous exercise, caffeine, greasy (junk) foods, alcohol, cold temperatures, and cold foods.

Acupuncture treatment is considered to stimulate the central nervous system. Releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes can stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote emotional and physical well-being.

We will use a comprehensive, holistic approach and provide you with a prognosis and tailored treatment plan at the initial appointment:

• In traditional Chinese Medicine or acupuncture consultation, the practitioner Inquires about many aspects of your life about pain, digestion, emotional state, sleeping patterns, energy levels, diet and lifestyle including family and your medical history. 
• The diagnostic methods include looking at your tongue and listening to your pulse, and your concern areas are palpated. This is a method TCM to find any imbalances in your body.
• The initial consultation takes 30-60 minutes depending on the individual condition including a 30-minute treatment session based diagnosis made and the treatment could be acupuncture alone or a combination of other modalities such as cupping, Moxa, or Auricular therapy.
• Follow-up appointments will be 60-90 minutes based on individual conditions.

• Prior to your first appointment, you may need to write down your medical history, including injuries, surgeries, allergies and medications. Also, include how your symptoms started and what medical tests and treatments have been received. 
• Female patients including menstrual cycle, duration, symptoms during the period.
• Please bring all relevant medical information on your first visit.

• Please wear loose-fitting clothes that can easily roll up to knees and elbows, also easily removable.
• Eat light meals before the acupuncture treatment (please do not attend with an empty or full stomach).
• Drink water before the acupuncture treatment (please do not attend with dehydration)

Acupuncture is considered a safe medical treatment. Many Physicians and practitioners believe that acupuncture is a beneficial treatment as an adjunct to other medical treatments as an alternative to medical treatments. however, there are specific contraindications for acupuncture treatment including:

•  Drug or alcohol intoxication
• Use of a pacemaker
• Metal allergy
• Bleeding disorder such as haemophilia or taking any medicines such as anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• Infections skin disorders or disease
• A seizure disorders

Acupuncture needles are very thin, almost like hair. Insertion can cause little discomfort. Often, people do not feel them inserted at all. Once a needle reaches the intended depth, you may be feel a mild or slight tingling or some heavy and electric sensation. This indicates that the treatment is working and the acupuncture points are being activated. This can open energy blockages, and balance and move energy flow in your system. 

The prognosis and the frequency of acupuncture treatment depend on individual condition but we recommend :

• Usually, 1-2 acupuncture treatments weekly for acute conditions for 3-4 weeks are required to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
• For chronic conditions, 1-2 treatments weekly for 10 treatments, it often requires fortnightly or monthly continuing to maintain treatment for progressive outcomes.

• Acupuncture is relatively safe for most pregnancies however, there are certain points that are forbidden during pregnancy. 
• It's important to let your acupuncturist know if you are pregnant or if you think you might be, so can avoid certain acupuncture points to prevent miscarriage. 
• Acupuncture can often help during the First trimester with common symptoms such as morning sickness, and nausea or prevent miscarriage.
• Acupuncture or moxibustion treatment may also be good to try when a baby is a breech. Researchers describe that stimulating certain acupuncture points around 34 weeks help to turn a breech baby for safety and effectiveness.