Frequently Asked Questions

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture seeks to re-balance the energy within the body with the insertion of fine sterile, disposable needles into acupuncture points in the body. MRI scans show that acupuncture triggers the body's natural healing process by calming down the central nervous system.

What can I expect from my first visit?

During your initial consultation I will take an in-depth medical history and ask you many questions about your current health and lifestyle. I will take your pulse and look at your tongue to help my diagnosis. Then you will have upto 10 fine sterile disposable needles inserted – usually around your hands and feet.

Will the acupuncture needles hurt?

When needles are inserted some people feel nothing at all, others may feel a small scratch. Once the needles are in, many people feel a sense of deep relaxation or heaviness.

How long do the needles have to be in for?

The acupuncture needles are usually kept in for 30 minutes as one cycle of qi around your body lasts 28.8 minutes. Many people fall asleep during this time.

Can acupuncture support my fertility?

 Research has shown that acupuncture helps female fertility with the following:

• Regulating fertility hormones. Stress and other factors can disrupt the function of the hypothalamic pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA), causing hormonal imbalances that can negatively impact fertility. Acupuncture has been shown to affect hormone levels by promoting the release of beta-endorphin in the brain, which affects the release of gonadotrophin releasing hormone by the hypothalamus, follicle stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland, and oestrogen and progesterone levels from the ovaries.
• Enhancing luteal function such as embryo implantation
• Regulating follicle stimulation hormone-receptor expression
• Normalising cortisol and prolactin levels on IVF medication days
• Reducing stress. Stress also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which causes constriction of ovarian arteries. Acupuncture inhibits this sympathetic activity, improving blood flow to the ovaries. enhancing the environment in which ovarian follicles develop.
• Increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs. Thereby improving the thickness of the endometrial lining and increasing the chances of embryo implantation, increasing egg production and improving oocyte quality,  promoting embryo implantation

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) has collated research showing how acupuncture may benefit both female and male fertility. For more information, please go to www.acupuncture.org.

Does acupuncture support IVF?

Acupuncture has been shown to increase success rates by 46% if combined with embryo transfer for women undergoing IVF. Acupuncture also addresses the side effects of IVF drugs such as headaches, hot flushes, bloating, mood changes, night sweating and also alleviates the emotional stress of fertility treatment.

Can acupuncture help with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Counteracting the effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) - PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility. By reducing sympathetic nerve activity and balancing hormone levels, acupuncture has been shown to reduce the number of ovarian cysts, stimulate ovulation, enhance blastocyst implantation and regulate the menstrual cycle in women with PCOS.

Is acupuncture helpful with back pain?

Acupuncture is extremely effective for musculo-skeletal conditions especially chronic lower back pain. Many GPs recommend patients with lower back pain including conditions such as sciatica to seek acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture can provide pain relief by stimulating nerves located in muscle tissue, promoting the release of endorphins and changing the way the brain processes pain. Acupuncture also reduces inflammation by promoting the release of vacular and immunomodulatory factors. By increasing micro-circulation, acupuncture can also help with muscle and joint stiffness.

Can acupuncture help with weight loss?

It is important to underline that acupuncture is not a magic solution against weight gain. However, as acupuncture is a holistic treatment it is able to address the underlying issues that may be hindering weight loss.

If you have any other questions please get in contact for a free consultation!