FAQs

Who has acupuncture?

Acupuncture is widely used all over the world, as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other forms of medicine, and in the far east it is fully part of mainstream healthcare.

People of all ages can benefit from having acupuncture, including pregnant women and children, and acupuncture can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine.

Acupuncture with a trained and fully qualified practitioner is one of the safest forms of healthcare you can choose.

Many people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains or for common health problems that they may have. Others choose acupuncture when they feel that their body systems are out of balance, even though they have no obvious diagnosis. Some choose regular treatment simply because they find it beneficial and relaxing.

How can acupuncture help me?

Acupuncture is considered to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions.

Whatever your particular problem, because treatment is designed to affect your whole body and not just your symptoms, you may notice other niggling complaints also get better with a course of treatment.

Maggie offers a free 15 minute phone call to discuss how acupuncture can help you.

What will happen when I go for acupuncture?

Maggie will take your medical history, may read your pulses, may examine the site of your symptoms, and may look at your tongue. Your individual treatment plan will be based on your state of health and lifestyle.

Maggie will decide which combination of points is right for your whole body as well as your symptoms. Sometimes acupuncture needles are inserted for just a second or two, or you may be left to rest for a while before the needles are removed.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Make sure to eat something at least 2 hours before your appointment. Try to avoid caffeine in this time also. Wear loose fitting clothing, but be aware you may need to strip down to underwear depending on the treatment. In this instance you will be covered with a towel or blanket.

What do acupuncture needles feel like?

Acupuncture needles are so fine that you may not feel the insertion of the needle. It is normal to feel a sensation of some kind as the needle makes contact with the acupuncture point lying below the surface of the skin. The sensation is different for each person and also varies depending on where the point lies on the body. The feeling is often described as a dull ache, a pull or tug, a whoosh, or a little electric shock. It only lasts for a few seconds and so when needles are left in you may not know they’re there. The majority of people feel deeply relaxed during treatment. If you feel any discomfort whatsoever then please don’t be afraid to tell Maggie and she’ll adjust the needles for you. Let her know if you are scared of needles, so your treatment can be tailored accordingly. There are other aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine that can be used in treatment that don’t involve needles such as gua sha, cupping and moxibustion.

How will I feel after my treatment?

You may feel tired, so if you can, make some time to rest afterwards. Stay hydrated and keep warm to support the body’s healing process.

How many treatments will I need?

Weekly sessions are quite usual to begin with, for perhaps five or six treatments, reducing in frequency as your body responds. Maggie will review progress and discuss further treatment with you at this stage. Many patients then choose to have monthly appointments for ongoing maintenance and health benefits. Response to treatment can differ considerably from person to person, as treatment is aimed at the root of the condition and not just addressing the main symptoms. Some people experience significant changes after just a couple of treatments. Long-term or more complex conditions may require more treatment over a longer period. You are, of course, under no obligation to continue with treatment at any point.

How does acupuncture work?

There is an ever-expanding body of research to back up the effectiveness and potential mechanisms of acupuncture. Needling can be seen to tap into the communications networks of our bodies, affecting our nervous and endocrine systems and stimulating a myriad of regulative responses by way of the brains messenger signals, neurotransmitters. Recent research has shown that needling triggers the release of adenosine and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP), an important anti-inflammatory compound affecting the immune, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, and urinary system and playing a key role in pain relief.

You can read Maggie’s testimonials here.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a safe treatment, using sterilised, single-use needles. All licensed acupuncturists are required to undertake the highest quality of training and follow strict codes of safe acupuncture practice, professional conduct and hygiene standards.

Definitive surveys in the UK and Germany concluded that when practised by properly trained qualified traditional acupuncturists, the risk of serious adverse effects from acupuncture is extremely low.

Should I tell my doctor I’m having acupuncture?

If you have been prescribed medication we recommend you tell your doctor that you plan to have acupuncture. Do not stop taking your medication. You should tell Maggie about any medication and supplements you are taking.

How much does acupuncture cost?

Acupuncture with Maggie costs £60 for the initial consultation and treatment. Follow up appointments cost £45.
Discounts are available for upfront block bookings.
See all services and prices here.

Does the NHS recommend acupuncture?

Acupuncture on the NHS is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for migraines and headaches, and by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) for chronic pain, including low back pain and knee pain.

Will my health insurance or employer pay for acupuncture?

Many health policies now cover acupuncture treatment so check with your insurer or employer and Maggie can provide you with receipts.

Can I have acupuncture when pregnant?

Yes! Acupuncture can be used throughout pregnancy, from pre-conception to post-natal care, and is completely safe. However, if you are not coming for fertility acupuncture, but you are trying to get pregnant, do let Maggie know as a few points are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Is acupuncture right for me?

Maggie offers a free 15 minute phone consultation, where you can discuss your needs and she can answer any questions you might have. You can book this here.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes! Gift vouchers can be created in any amount. Please purchase here, or contact Maggie with your request and she can get this sorted for you.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Life can be unpredictable, plans change, and you may need to cancel your appointment at short notice. However, Maggie asks that you provide at least 48 hours' notice when cancelling or rescheduling your appointment. She may charge 50% for appointments cancelled less than 48 hours in advance and 100% for appointments cancelled less than 12 hours in advance. She always endeavours to apply her cancellation charge fairly and make a decision on a case-by-case basis. For example, she would not charge someone who missed their appointment because they were admitted to hospital.

If you booked your appointment online, you may be able to cancel it online through your Fresha account. You can also cancel your appointment by emailing Maggie ~ hello@awelacupuncture.co.uk