Is it safe?

Five-Element Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments, both conventional and complementary, on offer in the UK today. Side effects are very rare. All needles are sterile and used only once. Strict hygiene practices are followed in accordance with our member association guidelines and local byelaws.

How is this different from other forms of acupuncture?

In most acupuncture practices a practitioner will ask questions, leave the needles in the body and may leave the room. Five-Element treatments are completely individualized and interactive. The needles don't stay in longer than a few seconds and we’re by your side through the whole session. No two treatments are ever the same.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very small, fine and solid and therefore completely different to the needles used by your doctor or dentist. It is normal to feel a tingle, dull or sharp ache as we adjust the needle to direct the qi (energy). This is different for every person and only lasts a second or so.

What is the herb you burn?

Moxibustion or Moxa is a traditional technique that involves burning a herb called Mugwort, to promote healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. It is debatable which came first, moxibustion or acupuncture. The purpose of moxa is to stimulate the flow of energy (qi) blood and circulation.

We burn moxa on the acupuncture point prior to needling, or with a moxa stick, which is shaped like a cigar and held over the area being treated for several minutes.

Moxa also improve circulation, warms and relaxes tense muscles, relieves pain and promotes relaxation and wellbeing.

How many treatments will I need?

Everyone responds differently to treatment, pre-existing conditions may take longer to heal than recent ones. We recommend a course of 6 treatments, initially these will be weekly with treatments spaced out over time. Once your condition has begun to improve the treatments can be spaced out to encourage your body’s own ability to heal to take over. Treatment at this time will prevent your symptoms from returning and ensure a continued improvement. Soon you will reach a stage where you only may need to come a few times a year as a preventative measure.

How will I feel afterwards?

Everyone responds differently to treatment. Some people feel very relaxed or drowsy, whereas others are energised and ready to take on the world. There is no problem returning to work after a treatment, but many people prefer to take it easy afterwards to make the most of the relaxing effects.

Occasionally a patient finds that their symptoms worsen after the first treatment, although they are short-lived and they feel more able to cope with them. This is usually seen as a good sign and should be reported back to us.

Can I smoke and drink while receiving acupuncture?

You are advised to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after your treatment as it can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. We can provide support and advice about reducing your alcohol intake and giving up smoking.

Can I have acupuncture and take my medication?

Yes, acupuncture does not interfere with your medication. When you feel better, you may want to reduce the amount of medication you are taking. In this case, it is important that you talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication. Always tell us about your medication, and any changes to it, as this needs to be considered when planning your treatments.

Do I need to tell my doctor?

It is completely up to you whether you tell your doctor about receiving acupuncture treatment. Most doctors are supportive of acupuncture and will not discourage a patient from receiving treatment.

Can children and babies receive acupuncture?

Yes. Children and babies respond very quickly to acupuncture and require very little treatment. Smaller, finer needles are used or methods of treatment that do not require needles may be preferable. Children under 16 years must always be accompanied by their parent or guardian during treatment and babies or small children receive treatment while being held by their carer or whilst sitting on their knee.

https://acupuncture.org.uk/ https://aac-org.uk/
http://www.acupunctureresearch.org.uk/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acupuncture/
http://www.britishacupuncturefederation.co.uk/