Acupuncture can offer supportive treatment during any stage of life, and is suitable for all ages.

Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a human hair, they have a rounded end rather than a sharp cutting one, and insertion is practically painless. The sensation is typically described as tingling, a dull ache, soreness, numbness, warmth, heaviness or an 'electric' feeling moving up and down the channels. This is one of the signs that a point has been stimulated, however sensation depends on the individual; some people feel a strong needle sensation, with others feeling not much at all. Most people find Acupuncture extremely relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.

Yes we are able to use techniques to help you feel calm and to insert the needles with little or no sensation. If you have a fear of needles, please let us know, so we can make the appropriate allowances. If you find with the techniques you still fear the Acupuncture treatment we can use acupressure, or other additional therapies as an alternative.

Claims that Acupuncture is unsafe are much discussed in the media, yet two surveys published in the British Medical Journal in 2001 concluded that the risk of a serious adverse reaction to Acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000, making Acupuncture one of the safest treatments available in the UK, including Conventional treatments. Emma and the practitioners at The Acupuncture Lounge adhere strictly to the Codes of Safe Practice developed by The British Acupuncture Council. The needles used at the Acupuncture Lounge are single use, sterile and disposed of appropriately.

As previously mentioned Acupuncture is an extremely safe treatment method, therefore it has virtually no unpleasant side effects or complications when treated by a qualified practitioner. Occasionally, a small number of patients do have mild and reactions to the procedure, such as minor bruising around the needle points, or possible marks from Cupping and Gua Sha, a short-term flare-up of the symptoms, nausea, light-headedness or dizziness. However these are very short lived and are self-correcting.

It is not necessary to believe in Acupuncture for it to work. Clinical studies involving 'non-believers' demonstrate positive effects when treated by Acupuncture. In addition, studies on animals and small children, who cannot be thought to 'believe', show positive changes through the use of Acupuncture. However having a positive state of mind and a positive attitude can only help with any type of treatment.

It is best not to have a large meal within an hour of the treatment as the process of digestion will alter your pulse, and you may need to lie on your stomach. However it is better to come with food in your stomach than to come very hungry.It is very important to avoid alcohol and food or drinks that colour your tongue; such as coffee or strong tea. It is advisable to wear loose fitting clothes so that the acupuncture points are easily accessible.

As treatment is based on you as an individual, the frequency and length of treatment vary greatly. No two people with back pain, migraines or digestive issues for example, present with the exact same symptoms and for that reason they don't receive the exact same treatment. We devise individualised, comprehensive, holistic treatment programmes specific to your needs.

For that reason we're unable to estimate how many sessions I think you'd need until we have diagnosed you from a Chinese medicine perspective. However to give you a general idea initial treatment plans are usually on a once or twice weekly basis for an initial course of around 8 to 12 sessions. Some people feel dramatic changes after just a few treatments while others find they need to come for longer. Long standing chronic conditions usually need more time to improve than acute conditions, and may require more than one course of treatment. Once your condition has stabilised you may choose like others to return monthly, or less regularly for top-up treatments, or for treatments as a preventative measure.

You are likely to feel relaxed and calm after your treatment. You may feel a little tired or sleepy, and should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use heavy machinery straight after your treatment. You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and ideally give yourself a little time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for several hours after treatment.

Acupuncture is safe to use in conjunction with Conventional treatments. If you are taking medication, it is recommended you tell your doctor that you are planning to have Acupuncture.

Please make sure you give full details of any medication you are taking during the consultation as this may affect your response to treatment.

The British Acupuncture Council used to offer a certification scheme allowing you to donate blood immediately if you had received Acupuncture from one of their members. However this scheme was unfortunately, and in contrast to The British Acupuncture Councils wishes, dropped in an EU harmonisation programme.

As the rules currently stand there is a deferral period of four months before blood can be donated after Acupuncture.

Traditional Acupuncture as practised by the practitioners here at The Acupuncture Lounge is a holistic approach to health based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles dating back over 2000 years, which have been developed and refined. Traditional Chinese Medicine views any symptoms you are suffering with as an imbalance of the energies in the body, once we find those imbalances and address the root cause symptoms can resolve.

However each case is individual, meaning no two people with back pain, migraines or digestive issues for example, present with the exact same symptoms and for that reason they don't receive the exact same treatment. Here at The Acupuncture Lounge using we devise individualised, comprehensive, holistic treatment programmes specific to your needs.

Western-style or Medical Acupuncture is a more recent development practised predominantly by Doctors, Nurses, and Physiotherapists. It uses a more limited range of Acupuncture techniques on the basis of a Conventional medicine diagnosis, and is usually used to treat pain.

Traditional Acupuncture is also used to treat pain whilst addressing the underlying root cause, with many of our patients we find by using traditional Acupuncture techniques many other seemingly unrelated symptoms also disappear and stress levels subside.

If you would like to book an appointment please go to our contact page, add your details, and in the message box indicate which appointment you would like and a brief over view of what has prompted you to seek acupuncture.

We look forward to hearing from you, Emma and the team.